bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and optical properties of uranium-doped cadmium oxide synthesized by sol-gel method
Authors: Şerbetçi Zafer
Published: May 2020

Optical properties of cadmium oxide and uranium-doped CdO thin films synthesized by the sol-gel technique were investigated. The structural properties of the films were investigated using X-ray diffraction patterns of U-doped CdO. It was found that CdO-based films have a cubic NaCl structure. Structural properties of the films were investigated with atomic force microscopy (AFM). Reflectance, transmittance and absorption spectra of the films were measured with UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometer. The photoluminescence (PL) behavior of the films was recorded using a fluorescence spectrophotometer. It was found that the nanostructure of the cadmium oxide film is controlled by U doping.
Hafnium dioxide effect on the electrical properties of M/n-GaN structure
Authors: Ali Sadoun , Sedik Mansouri , Mohammed Chellali , Nacereddine Lakhdar , Abdelkader Hima , Zineb Benamara
Published: May 2020

In the present paper, using of SILVACO-TCAD numerical simulator for studying the enhancement in Pt/n-GaN Schottky diode current–voltage (I-V) characteristics by introduction of a layer of hafnium dioxide (HfO2) (with a thickness e = 5 nm) between the Pt contact and semiconductor interface of GaN is reported. The simulation of I-V characteristics of Pt/n-GaN was done at a temperature of 300 K. However, the simulation of Pt/HfO2/n-GaN structure was performed in a temperature range of 270 – 390 K at steps of 30 K. The electrical parameters: barrier height (Φb), ideality factor and series resistance have been calculated using different methods: conventional I-V, Norde, Cheung, Chattopadhyay and Mikhelashvili. Statistical analysis showed that the metal-insulator-semiconductor (Pt/HfO2/n-GaN) structure has a barrier height of 0.79 eV which is higher compared with the (Pt/n-GaN) structure (0.56 eV). The parameters of modified Richardson

(

(

ln

(

I

0

T

2

)

-

(

q

2

σ

s
0

2

2

kT

2

)

=
ln

(

AA
*

)

-

q

∅

B
0

kT

)

(\left( {\ln \left( {{{{{\rm{I}}_0}} \over {{{\rm{T}}^{\rm{2}}}}}} \right) - \left( {{{{{\rm{q}}^2}\sigma _{{\rm{s}}0}^2} \over {2{\rm{k}}{{\rm{T}}^2}}}} \right) = \ln \left( {{\rm{AA*}}} \right) - {{{\rm{q}}{\emptyset _{{\rm{B}}0}}} \over {{\rm{kT}}}}} \right)

equation versus (

1

kT

{1 \over {{\rm{kT}}}}

) have been extracted using the mentioned methods. The following values:

A

Simul

*

=
22.65
 

A
/
cm

2

⋅

K

2

{\rm{A}}_{{\rm{Simul}}}^* = 22.65\,{\rm{A/c}}{{\rm{m}}^{\rm{2}}} \cdot {{\rm{K}}^2}

, 14.29 A/cm2 K2, 25.53 A/cm2 K2 and 21.75 A/cm2 K2 were found. The Chattopadhyay method occurred the best method for estimation the theoretical values of Richardson constant.
Efficiency calculation and comparison of fluidic and solid-body power sources using corpuscular radiation
Authors: Miś Tomasz A.
Published: May 2020

Research done on a set of simple fluidic (with the fluid used as the ionized medium being air under atmospheric pressure) alphavoltaic cells – small ionizing reactors or “nuclear batteries”, designed in the Faculty of Power and Aerospace Engineering of Warsaw University of Technology, Poland – has shown the possibility of accumulation of usable amount of electric charge. Two simple methods are proposed to describe the fluidic alphavoltaic cells in terms of their efficiency. The results of these methods are presented and compared with the efficiencies of other contemporary types of solid-body (semiconductor junction-based) alpha- and betavoltaic cells. The comparison showed that despite the far-reaching simplicity in design, the designed fluidic cells are still more efficient than some of the solid-body devices that use the alpha type of decay.
Remarks to history of radon activity concentration metrology
Authors: Otahal Petr P. S. , Burian Ivo
Published: May 2020

The radon issue has been known worldwide for dozens of years. Many scientific (ICRP Publication No. 137), technical (ICRU Report No. 88), and legislative (Council Directive 2013/59/EURATOM (EU-BSS)) documents have been published in the last decade. More and more attention is being paid to precise quantification to determine the concentration and consequent effects of various pollutants on human health worldwide. The quality of measurement and the variety of measurement techniques increase the need to unify measurement procedures and metrology continuity. Countries around the world are beginning to unify metrological procedures for determining different quantities based on international recommendations and standards. Not only for these reasons, it became more actual a need for more accurate radon activity concentration measurement and radon metrology unification. This paper summarizes the main remarks and technical aspects to the historical development of radon metrology.
Application of time series models for heating degree day forecasting
Authors: Kuru Merve , Calis Gulben
Published: May 2020

This study aims at constructing short-term forecast models by analyzing the patterns of the heating degree day (HDD). In this context, two different time series analyses, namely the decomposition and Box–Jenkins methods, were conducted. The monthly HDD data in France between 1974 and 2017 were used for analyses. The multiplicative model and 79 SARIMA models were constructed by the decomposition and Box–Jenkins method, respectively. The performance of the SARIMA models was assessed by the adjusted R
2 value, residual sum of squares, the Akaike Information Criteria, the Schwarz Information Criteria, and the analysis of the residuals. Moreover, the mean absolute percentage error, mean absolute deviation, and mean squared deviation values were calculated to evaluate the performance of both methods. The results show that the decomposition method yields more acceptable forecasts than the Box–Jenkins method for supporting short-term forecasting of the HDD.
Which conservatism? The identity of the Polish Law and Justice party
Authors: Folvarčný Adam , Kopeček Lubomír
Published: May 2020

This article deals with Poland’s Law and Justice (PiS), considered a conservative party in the scholarly literature. Drawing largely on party manifestos, the article demonstrates the character, the specificities and the evolution of the party’s identity and ideology. A theoretical basis for the undertaking is provided by Klaus von Beyme’s concept of party families, Arend Lijphart’s seven ideological dimensions and classic texts on conservatism. The analysis finds that the most important components in PiS’s current identity are Catholicism itself and the great emphasis the party places on the role of the Catholic Church. Also important for the party’s identity are visions of a nation conceived on ethnic principle, a strong and active state able to form society with a national spirit, anti-communism and a negation of developments in Poland since 1989. A substantial role is played by the quasi-religiously conceived legacy of the party’s co-founder, Lech Kaczyński, who tragically perished in an aircraft crash. With its Catholic-nationalist profile, PiS is close to the Christian current within the conservative New Right, and to Polish National Democracy in the interwar period.
The use of rough rules in the selection of topographic objects for generalizing geographical information
Authors: Fiedukowicz Anna
Published: May 2020

Selection is a key element of the cartographic generalisation process, often being its first stage. On the other hand it is a component of other generalisation operators, such as simplification. One of the approaches used in generalization is the condition-action approach. The author uses a condition-action approach based on three types of rough logics (Rough Set Theory (RST), Dominance-Based Rough Set Theory (DRST) and Fuzzy-Rough Set Theory (FRST)), checking the possibility of their use in the process of selecting topographic objects (buildings, roads, rivers) and comparing the obtained results. The complexity of the decision system (the number of rules and their conditions) and its effectiveness are assessed, both in terms of quantity and quality – through visual assessment. The conducted research indicates the advantage of the DRST and RST approaches (with the CN2 algorithm) due to the quality of the obtained selection, the greater simplicity of the decision system, and better refined IT tools enabling the use of these systems. At this stage, the FRST approach, which is characterised by the highest complexity of created rules and the worst selection results, is not recommended. Particular approaches have limitations resulting from the need to select appropriate measurement scales for the attributes used in them. Special attention should be paid to the selection of network objects, in which the use of only a condition-action approach, without maintaining consistency of the network, may not produce the desired results. Unlike approaches based on classical logic, rough approaches allow the use of incomplete or contradictory information. The proposed tools can (in their current form) find an auxiliary use in the selection of topographic objects, and potentially also in other generalisation operators.
The Effective Factors on Knowledge Management in Universities from Physical Education Instructors’ Viewpoints
Authors: Shafiee Shahram , Eskandaripour Mojtaba , Soltani Samira
Published: May 2020

The aim of the present study was to investigate the relation of technology, organizational culture and emotional intelligence with knowledge management using the mediators of organizational structure and empowerment. The methodology of the research was descriptive-correlational and the population of the study consisted of all the physical education instructors of Zanjan universities with three-year teaching record (61 people). The population size using the census sample criterion. Research tool included Stankosky and Baldanza’s technology, organizational culture and structure, Bar-On’s emotional intelligence inventory, Spreitzer and Mishra’s empowerment, Kordnaij et al. and Newman and Conrad’s knowledge management framework questionnaires. The structural equation modelling was used via Smart PLS 2 software for analyzing the data. The results showed that there is a negative and significant relation between technology and knowledge management. Also, there is significant relation between organizational culture and knowledge management, emotional intelligence and knowledge management, technology and organizational structure, organizational culture and organizational structure, technology and empowerment, organizational culture and empowerment, organizational structure and empowerment and empowerment and knowledge management; while the significance of relations between organizational structure and knowledge management and emotional intelligence and empowerment were not confirmed. The results of the present study can help the people in charge of education and research in the universities in order to produce, keep and use the needed knowledge related to proper time and place by making decisions and educating people.
Future Drivers of Leisure Time Physical Activity in Iran
Authors: Ziaee Ali , Aghaei Najaf , Saffari Marjan , Zenouz Reza Yousefi , van Hilvoorde Ivo
Published: May 2020

Physical activity can contribute to societal health and prevent antisocial behaviors. This study explored the driving forces facilitating these goals in Iran’s socio-cultural context. Through a literature review, investigation of available political documents, interviews with experts and consensus of the research team, seventy-three driving forces were explored from different domains and then categorised via the STEEPV framework. This framework considers drivers from Social, Technological, Environmental, Economic, Political, and Value/Cultural dimensions. The “sport/sport sciences” domain was also considered as an additional domain. In the next step, a questionnaire with an answer scale of 1 to 7 was distributed among experts. The fuzzy Delphi method was used to analyse the collected data. Results showed eighteen drivers from five domains (social, environmental, economic, technological and sport/sports sciences) dramatically influenced leisure time physical activity (LTPA) in Iran. “Physical activity opportunities for vulnerable groups” was identified as the most important driver for participation in LTPA. Results suggest the need for a multidimensional and thorough consideration by organisations, leisure managers and policymakers to discover methods to promote health-related physical activities in the future.
Solvent-free synthesis of 1-amidoalkyl-2-naphthol and 3-amino-1-phenyl-1H benzo[f]chromene-2-carbonitrile derivatives by Fe3O4@enamine-B(OSO3H)2 as an efficient and novel heterogeneous magnetic nanostructure catalyst
Authors: Li Fangping , Zhang Jun , Wang Longjiang , Liu Weijian , Yousif Qahtan A.
Published: May 2020

A green procedure for the one-pot three-component synthesis of 1-amidoalkyl-2-naphthol and 3-amino-1-phenyl-1H benzo[f]chromene-2-carbonitrile derivatives from the reaction of 2-naphtol, aldehydes, and malononitrile/acetamide in the presence of a catalytic amount of Fe3O4@enamine-B(OSO3H)2 as an efficient and novel heterogeneous magnetic nanostructure catalyst is described. The catalyst was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). These strategies possess some merits such as simple work-up method, easy preparation of the catalyst, short reaction times, good-to-high yields, and non-use of hazardous solvents during all steps of the reactions. Moreover, due to the magnetic nature of the catalyst, it was readily recovered by magnetic decantation and can be recycled at least six runs with no considerable decrease in catalytic activity.
UV polymerization and property analysis of maleacylated methyl cellulose acrylic acid absorbent resin
Authors: Li Ying , Sawut Amatjan , Hou Gongbo , He Mingyu , Yimit Mamatjan
Published: May 2020

In this paper, maleic anhydride (MA) was grafted onto methyl cellulose (MC) and then reacted with acrylic acid to synthesize a high gel strength and fast water absorption resin (AA-co-MC-g-MA) by UV polymerization. The reaction conditions of maleylated methylcellulose (MC-g-MA) were investigated, including the ratio of MC to MA, reaction time and catalyst amount. In addition, the reaction conditions for the synthesis of super absorbent resin were as follows: the amount of MC-g-MA, the degree of substitution of MC-g-MA, polymerization time, and the amount of initiator. Under optimal conditions, the maximum water absorption volume of synthetic resin was 2116 g/g, and the maximum salt absorption rate was 139 g/g. The water absorption resin prepared this time had high water absorption, water retention, excellent pH sensitivity, etc. It was hoped that it will have a good application prospect in the field of industrial production and agriculture in the future.
Design of a Monte Carlo model based on dual-source computed tomography (DSCT) scanners for dose and image quality assessment using the Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP5) code
Authors: Chantzi Stefania , Papanastasiou Emmanouil , Athanasopoulou Christina , Molyvda-Athanasopoulou Elisavet , Bamidis Panagiotis , Siountas Anastasios
Published: May 2020

The purpose of this work was to develop and validate a Monte Carlo model for a Dual Source Computed Tomography (DSCT) scanner based on the Monte Carlo N-particle radiation transport computer code (MCNP5). The geometry of the Siemens Somatom Definition CT scanner was modeled, taking into consideration the x-ray spectrum, bowtie filter, collimator, and detector system. The accuracy of the simulation from the dosimetry point of view was tested by calculating the Computed Tomography Dose Index (CTDI) values. Furthermore, typical quality assurance phantoms were modeled in order to assess the imaging aspects of the simulation. Simulated projection data were processed, using the MATLAB software, in order to reconstruct slices, using a Filtered Back Projection algorithm. CTDI, image noise, CT-number linearity, spatial and low contrast resolution were calculated using the simulated test phantoms. The results were compared using several published values including IMPACT, NIST and actual measurements. Bowtie filter shapes are in agreement with those theoretically expected. Results show that low contrast and spatial resolution are comparable with expected ones, taking into consideration the relatively limited number of events used for the simulation. The differences between simulated and nominal CT-number values were small. The present attempt to simulate a DSCT scanner could provide a powerful tool for dose assessment and support the training of clinical scientists in the imaging performance characteristics of Computed Tomography scanners.
Evaluation of the effect of random setup errors on dose delivery in Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy
Authors: Bharati Avinav , Mandal Susama Rani , Srivastava Anoop Kumar , Rastogi Madhup , Khurana Rohini , Hadi Rahat , Sapru Shantanu , Gandhi Ajeet Kumar , Mishra S.P.
Published: May 2020

Aim: To conduct a study on the effect of random setup errors inpatient for dose delivery in Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy plans using Octavius 4D phantom.

Materials and methods: 11 patients with cancer of H&N were selected for this study. An IMRT plan was created for each patient. The IMRT quality assurance plans were transferred to Mosaiq workstation in a linear accelerator. These plans were delivered at the reference treatment position. Subsequently, the QA plans were delivered on the Octavius 4D phantom after introducing errors in various translational and rotational directions. The setup inaccuracies introduced varied from 1 mm to 5 mm along X, Y. These setup uncertainties were then introduced along X and Y direction simultaneously in equal measures. Similarly, IMRT plans were delivered also after introducing roll and yaw rotation of 1, 2 and 3 degrees in phantom. The deviation of gamma indices at all these positions was analyzed with respect to the reference setup position.

Results: The percentage of points passing the gamma acceptance criterion decrease as we increase the setup error. The change is found to be very insignificant with setup error up to 2 mm along X, Y or XY direction. Similarly, the rotational error of up to 3 degrees is found to be acceptable.

Conclusions: Small setup (< 2 mm) correction in patients may not adversely affect the dose delivery. But an error of similar magnitude in 2 directions simultaneously has a much greater impact on IMRT dose delivery.
Research on Ship Hull Optimisation of High-Speed Ship Based on Viscous Flow/Potential Flow Theory
Authors: Baoji Zhang
Published: May 2020

In order to quickly obtain practical ship forms with good resistance performance, based on the linear wave-making resistance theory, the optimal design method of ship forms with minimum total resistance is discussed by using the non-linear programming (NLP) method. Taking the total resistance as the objective function (the Michell integral is used to calculate the wave-making resistance and the equivalent plate friction resistance formula is used to calculate the frictional resistance), the hull surface offset as the design variable and appropriate displacement as the basic constraints, and considering the additional constraints, the hull bow shape and the whole ship are optimised, and an improved hull form is obtained. The resistance of the ship before and after optimisation is calculated by the CFD method to further evaluate the resistance reduction effect and performance after optimisation. Finally, an example of optimisation calculation of an actual high-speed ship is given. The obvious resistance reduction results confirm the reliability of the optimisation design method.
Adaptive Self-Regulation PID Control of Course-Keeping for Ships
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Ding Zhongyu , Zhang Meijuan
Published: May 2020

To solve the nonlinear control problems of the unknown time-varying environmental disturbances and parametric uncertainties for ship course-keeping control, this paper presents an adaptive self-regulation PID (APID) scheme which can ensure the boundedness of all signals in the ship course-keeping control system by using the Lyapunov direct method. Compared with the traditional PID control scheme, the APID control scheme not only is independent of the model parameters and the unknown input, but also can regulate the gain of PID adaptively and resist time-varying disturbances well. Simulation results illustrate the effectiveness and the robustness of the proposed control scheme.
The Effect of 5-Aminosalicylic Acid on Intestinal Microbiota
Authors: Sargautiene Vanda , Ligere Renāte , Kalniņa Ineta , Jākobsone Ida , Nikolajeva Vizma , Derovs Aleksejs
Published: May 2020

The article discusses the possible relationships between intestinal microbiota and the therapeutic efficacy of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) in inflammatory bowel diseases. Intestinal microbiota may be involved in 5-ASA enzymatic biotransformation, but the metabolism of drugs by the intestinal microbiota has been studied in less detail, and little is known about the relationships between anti-inflammatory efficacy of 5-ASA with bacterial viability, quantity and activity. It remains unclear whether 5-ASA affects the microbiota depending on the different segments of gastrointestinal tract. Drugs and diet can both improve and worsen the composition of the intestinal microbiota. However, it is not known whether drugs affect the intestinal microbiota regardless of diet. Further research is needed to answer these questions.
The Level of Cytokeratin 18 in Patients with HIV and Viral Hepatitis C Co-Infection in Latvia
Authors: Koļesova Oksana , Madelāne Monta , Ekšteina Ilze , Koļesovs Aleksandrs , Krūmiņa Angelika , Vīksna Ludmila
Published: May 2020

Cytokeratin 18 (CK18) is a specific marker of hepatocellular apoptosis, which is a useful noninvasive indicator of liver fibrosis in the HIV/HCV group. However, data on the CK18 level in serum are limited for this group. This study demonstrated CK18 levels in serum in HIV/HCV co-infected and HIV mono-infected patients; investigated the association of CK18 levels with other non-invasive markers of liver fibrosis; and presents CK18 dynamics in a four-month-long period. The sample included 273 patients with HIV infection (128 of them were with HIV/HCV co-infection) aged from 23 to 65 (35% females). Levels of hyaluronic acid, CK18, ALT, and AST were determined in serum, and the FIB4 index was calculated. All markers had higher levels in the HIV/HCV group than in the HIV mono-infection group. The HIV/HCV group demonstrated coherent correlations among the markers and their associations with the level of CK18 than the HIV mono-infection group. During the four-month-long period, the CK18 level in serum showed no significant changes.
Culture Based Evaluation of Microbiota in Children with Acute Appendicitis
Authors: Kroiča Juta , Reinis Aigars , Kakar Mohit , Delorme Mathilde , Broks Renārs , Asare Lāsma , Berezovska Marisa , Jansins Vladislavs , Zviedre Astra , Enģelis Arnis , Saxena Amulya , Pētersons Aigars
Published: May 2020

Treatment strategies for acute uncomplicated appendicitis have evolved and now conservative antibacterial treatment is recommended over surgical treatment, especially for paediatric patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate microbiota in paediatric patients with acute uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis, and antibacterial susceptibility of the causative microorganisms. Bacteriological identification was conducted using the VITEK2 analyser. Antibacterial susceptibility tests were performed and the results were evaluated in accordance with the recommendations of the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) “Clinical breakpoints and dosing of antibiotics” (Version 7.0, January 2019). Serodiagnosis of Yersinia enterocolitica was performed using indirect haemagglutination. The results revealed differences in microbiota in cases of acute complicated and acute uncomplicated appendicitis. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was identified more frequently in cases of acute complicated appendicitis. Mixed culture was prevalent in cases of both acute complicated and acute uncomplicated appendicitis. Very few positive extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) Escherichia coli cultures were identified. Most of strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were resistant to amoxicillin with clavulanic acid, ertapenem, ampicillin and cefotaxime. Some of E. coli isolates were resistant to ampicillin and to amoxicillin with clavulanic acid.
Liver Abscesses — Seven-Year Experience of a Single Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Krūmiņa Angelika , Laivacuma Sniedze , Drjagunovs Iļja , Zeltiņa Indra , Vīksna Ludmila , Derovs Aleksejs
Published: May 2020

We reviewed medical records of cases of liver abscesses (LA) registered in Rīga East University Hospital clinical centre “Gaiïezers” from January 2012 to October 2018 to assess sociodemo-graphic factors, clinical, laboratory, microbiological and radiological findings, as well as therapeutic modalities and their efficacy associated with LA. A total of 95, including five recurrent, cases were included in this study. No statistically significant differences in gender distribution were found. Mean patient’s age was 64.5 ± 15.9. The most common documented risk factors for the development of LA were underlying biliary tract abnormalities (37.9% of cases), and diabetes mellitus (12.7%), while in 21.1% of cases, LA were defined as cryptogenic. Most patients presented with fever (70.5%); right upper abdominal pain was reported in 61.1%, while vomiting and / or nausea — in 25.3% of cases. The most common isolates identified from LA were Klebsiella pneumonia (40.3% of cases), mainly in monomicrobial LA, and Escherichia coli (22.6% of cases), predominantly in polymicrobial LA. Ceftriaxone and metronidazole intravenous formulations were used in 35.5% cases as the principal antimicrobial combination at hospital. Median overall expected duration of antimicrobial treatment was 15 days. LA drainage was performed in 87.4% of cases for the median duration of seven days. In 86.3% of cases both approaches were combined.
Association of Dunbar, May-Thurner and Nutcracker Compression Syndromes in One Patient
Authors: Zalizko Poļina , Tropina Evija , Scholbach Thomas , Puķītis Aldis
Published: May 2020

We report a case of Dunbar syndrome, May–Thurner syndrome and Nutcracker syndrome diagnosed in one patient with clinical presentation and imaging findings on Doppler ultrasonography. Dunbar syndrome or truncus coeliacus compression syndrome is an under-diagnosed vascular compression syndrome with a lot of controversy around it because of insufficient differentiation from celiac artery stenosis. May–Thurner syndrome or iliac vein compression syndrome is an anatomically variable condition of venous outflow obstruction caused by extrinsic compression by the right common iliac artery as it crosses the iliac vein anteriorly. In Nutcracker syndrome due to compression the outflow from the left renal vein into the inferior vena cava is obstructed. The combination of all these syndromes in one patient was not described before.
2. Choosing the Teaching Career by Students in the Arts
Authors: Anghel Ona Ionica
Published: May 2020

In order to build strategies for the permanent improvement of the educational offer in higher education institutions, taking into account the expectations of the beneficiaries can be an important direction to consider. Thus, the present study aims to radiograph the reasons why the students of the National University of Arts “George Enescu” in Iași (UNAGE) also choose a training trajectory for the route of the teaching career. To achieve this objective, we used in our research the linguistically adapted questionnaire “Orientations for Teaching Survey - OTS” (Ferrell, C.M., Daniel, L.G, 1993), which was answered by 140 UNAGE students. The hypothesis that the reasons why these students prepare to become teachers are intrinsic, extrinsic and altruistic was confirmed by statistical analyzes.
Economic Freedom and its Impact on Foreign Direct Investment: Global Overview
Authors: Singh Devesh , Gal Zoltán
Published: May 2020

The purpose of this research is to examine the economic freedom (EF) along with its macroeconomic determinants impact on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflow in South Asia, East Asia, Latin America, Middle East, and North Africa, Northern Europe, Southern Europe, Western Europe, Eastern Europe and Sub Saharan Africa. We use Heritage Foundation economic freedom index data over the period of 1999 to 2018 and employ the stepwise multi regression on variables of business freedom, government spending, tax burden, government integrity, property rights, investment freedom, trade freedom and monetary freedom. The results show that EF has a significant positive impact in South Asia, Latin America, East Asia, North Europe and West Europe. However, for the Middle East and North Africa, East European and South European economies EF has an insignificant influence on FDI inflow.
Considerations about the quality of UML and GML application schemas
Authors: Chojka Agnieszka
Published: May 2020

Exchange of and access to spatial data is the principal goal of any Spatial Data Infrastructure, therefore, one of the key concepts of SDI is interoperability, especially semantic and syntactic. Whereas application schemas and quality issues are one of the aspects that have to be considered to ensure a successful data interchange in SDI.

Two types of application schema are widely used in the European SDI as well as in the Polish SDI. They cover both semantic and syntactic interoperability and are an integral parts of spatial data specifications and relevant regulations in the form of data models. However, working out accurate and correct application schemas may be a challenge.

Additionally, faulty or too complex application schemas can influence the ability for valid data interchange, and consequently, prevent achieving interoperability within SDI. Therefore, the capability to examine and estimate the UML and GML application schemas quality seems to be a worthwhile and important issue in the context of semantic and syntactic interoperability in SDI.

The main subject of this article it to set out the context of performed studies, among others, the role of application schema in the interoperable data exchange, issues related to the concept of quality and its measures.
Development of a precise local quasigeoid model for the city of Krakow – QuasigeoidKR2019
Authors: Banasik Piotr , Bujakowski Kazimierz , Kudrys Jacek , Ligas Marcin
Published: May 2020

A geoid or quasigeoid model allows the integration of satellite measurements with ground levelling measurements in valid height systems. A precise quasigeoid model has been developed for the city of Krakow. One of the goals of the model construction was to provide a more detailed quasigeoid course than the one offered by the national model PL-geoid2011. Only four measurement points in the area of Kraków were used to build a national quasigeoid model. It can be assumed that due to the small number of points and their uneven distribution over the city area, the quasigeoid can be determined less accurately. It became the reason for developing a local quasigeoid model based on a larger number of evenly distributed points. The quasigeoid model was based on 66 evenly distributed points (from 2.5 km to 5.0 km apart) in the study area. The process of modelling the quasigeoid used height anomalies determined at these points on the basis of normal heights derived through levelling and ellipsoidal heights derived through GNSS surveys. Height anomalies coming from the global geopotential model EGM2008 served as a long-wavelength trend in those derived from surveys. Analyses showed that the developed height anomaly model fits the empirical data at the level of single millimetres – mean absolute difference 0.005 m. The developed local model QuasigeoidKR2019, similar to the national model PL-geoid2011, are models closely related to the reference and height systems in Poland. Such models are used to integrate GNSS and levelling observations. A comparison of the local QuasigeoidKR2019 and national PL-geoid2011 model was made for the reference frame PL-ETRF2000 and height datum PL-KRON86-NH. The comparison of the two models with respect to GNSS/levelling height anomalies shows a triple reduction in the values of individual quartiles and a mean absolute difference for the developed local model. These summary statistics clearly indicate that the accuracy of the local model for the city of Krakow is significantly higher than that of the national one.
Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) level as a potential biomarker of cancer progression for patients with bladder cancer
Authors: Lepara Zahid , Lepara Orhan , Fajkić Almir , Rebić Damir , Alić Jasmin , Spahović Hajrudin
Published: May 2020

Introduction. Bladder cancer is the most common malignancy involving the urinary system. Recent research tends to emphasize the role of oxidative stress products in the carcinogenesis of bladder cancer. The level of oxidative stress can be measured by assessing the MDA levels. This study aimed to evaluate serum MDA levels in patients with bladder cancer, as well as to determine its potential role as a biomarker in the diagnosis of the disease and progression risk considerations.

Methods. The study was designed as a cross-sectional study and included 90 patients, divided into three groups with 30 patients each: Ta, T1and T2–T4 group, based on histopathological findings after transurethral resection of the tumor. The control group included 30 healthy volunteers. MDA level was determined using the spectrophotometric method.

Results. Serum MDA level in patients with bladder cancer [0.86 (0.78–1.05) μmol/L] was significantly higher than the serum MDA level in control group [0.70 (0.69–0.72) μmol/L] (p < 0.001). Serum MDA level in Ta group [0.73 (0.70–1.05) μmol/L], T1 group [0.85 (0.80–1.12) μmol/L] and in T2–T4 group [0.91 (0.84–1.04) μmol/L] was significantly higher than the serum MDA level in control group [0.70 (0.69–0.72) μmol/L] (p < 0.01). MDA level in T1 and T2–T4 group was significantly higher than the MDA level in Ta group (p < 0.01). No significant difference was observed in MDA level between T1 and T2–T4 group (p = NS). A statistically significant positive correlation was found between tumor size and serum MDA level in patients with bladder cancer (rho = 0.254 p < 0.01).

Conclusions. The results of the present study suggest that MDA serum level might play a significant role as a biomarker in the diagnosis of bladder cancer, as well as in the monitoring of its progression.
Environmental Impacts of Mixed Aggregates for use in Unbound Layers in Road Construction
Authors: Gostečnik Metka , Šinik Predrag , Mladenovič Ana , Ščančar Janez , Milačič Radmila
Published: May 2020

During carbon steel manufacturing, large amounts of electric arc furnace (EAF) slag are generated. EAF slag, if properly treated and processed into aggregate, is an alternative source of high-quality material, which can substitute the use of natural aggregates in most demanding applications in the construction sector, mostly for wearing asphalt courses. In this screening process of high-quality aggregates, a side material with grain size 0/32 mm is also produced, which can be used as an aggregate for unbound layers in road construction. In this study, the environmental impacts of slag aggregate (fraction 0/32 mm) were evaluated in mixed natural/slag aggregates. Different mixtures of natural/slag aggregates were prepared from aged (28 days) and fresh slag, and their environmental impacts were evaluated using leaching tests. It was shown that among the elements, chromium (Cr) was leached from some mixed aggregates in quantities that exceeded the criterion for inert waste. The data from the present investigation revealed that mixed aggregates, prepared from aged slag (fraction 0/32 mm) and natural stone in the ratio 10/90, are environmentally acceptable and can be safely used in unbound materials for road construction.
Tooth Contact Analysis of Helical Gears Having Modified Straight Teeth by Changing of the Number of Teeth on the Pinion
Authors: Bodzás Sándor
Published: May 2020

The helical gears are widely used in different engineering applications especially in case of vehicles on the gear boxes. The aim of this research is the analysis of the effect of number of teeth on the pinion beside of the constancy number of teeth on the driven gear. Five types of helical gears have to be designed for the comparative analysis. Own-designed designing software are necessary for the facilitation of the designing and modelling process. During this research the normal stresses and normal deformations will be analysed into different directions by TCA method. After the analysis the functions of the mechanical properties and the number of teeth will be determined.
Performance Evaluation of Surface Modified Nano Al2o3 (P) Reinforced AZ91E Composites Under Impact and Fatigue Loading Conditions
Authors: Sameer Kumar D , Suman K N S , Poddar Palash , Tara Sasanka C
Published: May 2020

This paper confers to compare the behavior of AZ91E, AZ91E with 2 wt. % plain and surface modified alumina reinforced composites under different loading conditions. The composites were prepared and specimens were cut in accordance with standard procedures to conduct impact and fatigue tests. Surface modified alumina reinforced AZ91E magnesium based composites resulted in improved impact and fatigue strength because of good interactions between the matrix and reinforcement. The results are discussed.
A Novel Computational Method for Coupled Two Point Boundary Value Problem
Authors: Narender Ganji , Govardhan Kamatam
Published: May 2020

The paper deals with Finite difference Method of solving a boundary value problem involving a coupled pair of system of Ordinary Differential Equations. A novel iterative scheme is given for solving the Finite Difference Equations. Quasi-linearization used to convert a nonlinear problem into a series of linear problems. A problem from a flow of a nanofluid is presented as an example.
Effect of Machine Feed Rate on Kerf-Width, Material Removal Rate, and Surface Roughness in Machining of Al/SiC Composite Material with Wire Electrical Discharge Machine
Authors: Modi Manoj , Agarwal Gopal , Chaugaonkar Swati D , Bhatia Umesh , Patil Veerendra
Published: May 2020

The impact of machine feed rates of Wire Electric Discharge Machining on the kerf-width (K-width), material-removal-rate (MR-R), and surface-roughness (S-R) in the machining of Al/SiC composite is practically analysed. The relation among the feed rates of machine and K-width, MR-R, S-R is graphically acquired. It is demonstrated that lesser rate of feed is responsible for generation of larger K-width, lesser MR-R, and good finish as compared to more feed rate.
Environmental Assessment of Buildings – A Suggestion
Authors: Jamnický Martin , Rabenseifer Roman
Published: May 2020

This article proposes to contribute to the discussion on environmental product declarations for buildings. Using a simple life-cycle analysis of a low-energy detached house and CO2-equivalent emissions as a comparative unit, the case study presented illustrates the problems with the initial input data related to embodied energy and a definition of the criteria for an assessment of the environmental quality of buildings. The actual case study compares the expected energy demand of a detached house in the course of its service life and the energy input (embodied energy) necessary for its assembly and for the manufacture of the individual building products. The operation of the building during its service life is described using a computer-aided building performance simulation. The input data related to the embodied energy are based on information from classical works on life cycle analyses. In addition, the article discusses the limits of building envelope improvements in terms of the thickness of thermal insulation and also stresses the increasing significance of embodied energy in the environmental assessment of buildings.
Connections and Joints in Precast Concrete Structures
Authors: Holly Ivan , Abrahoim Iyad
Published: May 2020

The structural integrity of precast concrete structures mainly depends on the connections between the precast structural elements. The purpose of a connection is to transfer loads, restrain movement, and/or to provide stability to a component or an entire structure. Therefore, the design of connections is one of the most important aspects in the design of precast concrete structures. All the connections should be designed according to the valid codes. All precasters have developed connection details over the years that suit their particular production and erection preferences. It is common that the structural engineer shows the internal forces and connection locations, and the manufacturer’s engineering department provides the final design and details of the connections. This paper describes basic types of connections and joints used in precast concrete structures
Disagreements in Nursing Homes. Analysing the Competition between Occupations with Fuzzy Boundaries
Authors: Pichonnaz David , Lambelet Alexandre , Hugentobler Valérie
Published: May 2020

This article looks at interprofessional disagreements about how care should be provided in nursing homes for elderly people. The article shows that, while work is discussed by referring to four general principles, their prioritization remains a point of contention. This priority ranking is specific to the norms of each profession involved, which are not always compatible.
Empirical Approaches Upon Pension Systems in Central and Eastern European Countries. Triangle Assessment: Free Movement of People, Labor Market and Population Health Features
Authors: Jimon Ștefania Amalia , Balteș Nicolae , Dumiter Florin Cornel
Published: May 2020

Nowadays, around the world, it can be noticed an important trend towards the pension system reforms. The creation of the European fiscal space, the effects of globalization and the movement of the labour force are important vectors towards creating a new type of social economy. The labour force is constantly moving around the countries that gathered important amounts of capital, especially in industrialized countries. Moreover, the lower levels of the birth rate combined with the increasing level of death rate unbalance the labour market. The entire European continent undergoes a demographical transition period, highlighted by aging and intensive migration. This phenomenon is registered both outside and inside the European Union, especially upon the highest industrialized Western countries. In this context, the human capital role and quality gain an important topic throughout the social and economic developments. In this article, we tackle some important aspects regarding the correlation between the actual status quo of population structure and some important features of future pension systems.
Bayesian Estimate of Parameters for ARMA Model Forecasting
Authors: Amry Zul
Published: May 2020

This paper presents a Bayesian approach to finding the Bayes estimator of parameters for ARMA model forecasting under normal-gamma prior assumption with a quadratic loss function in mathematical expression. Obtaining the conditional posterior predictive density is based on the normal-gamma prior and the conditional predictive density, whereas its marginal conditional posterior predictive density is obtained using the conditional posterior predictive density. Furthermore, the Bayes estimator of parameters is derived from the marginal conditional posterior predictive density.
Analysis of Cell Death by Image Processing
Authors: Ždímalová Mária , Bohumel Tomáš , Plachá-Gregorovská Kataŕına , Weismann Peter , el Faloughy Hisham
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we present a graph theoretical approach to image processing with focus on the analysis of the biological data. We use the graph cut algorithms and extend them to obtain a segmentation of the biological cells. We introduce an utterly new algorithm for analysis of the resulting data and for sorting them into three main categories, which correspond to the biological cell death, based on the mathematical properties of the segmented elements.
Airport Related Emissions and their Impact on Air Quality at a Major Japanese Airport: The Case of Kansai International Airport
Authors: Baxter Glenn , Srisaeng Panarat , Wild Graham
Published: May 2020

The objective of this study was to investigate the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of an airport, to determine if strategies are helping to achieve sustainability targets. Kansai International Airport was selected as the case study, and it is Japan’s third largest airport and there was readily available comprehensive data to enable a study to be undertaken. The airport has a dedicated environmental division and has implemented various initiatives over the past decade or so to reduce the airport’s impact on the surrounding environment, especially since it is in Osaka Bay. The research used an exploratory design, with an initial qualitative case study, followed by a quantitative longitudinal study, utilizing correlation to assess trends over time. Results showed statistically significant reductions in carbon dioxide (CO2) emission from the three facets of airport operations, both in terms of the number of passengers and number of aircraft serviced by the airport. As a result, the initiatives undertaken at Kansai International Airport could be adapted and used by other airports to help reduce their carbon dioxide emissions.
Auction Based Algorithm for a Smart Junction with Social Priorities
Authors: Barzilai Orly , Giloni Amit , Voloch Nadav , Steiner Orna Lavi
Published: May 2020

Smart devices and their connections to the Internet of Things (IoT) have been the subject of many papers in the past decade. In the context of IoT in transportation, one feature is the smart junction. This research deals with this junction, where several cars approach the intersection from different directions, and a smart traffic light must decide regarding the time intervals of red and green light in each direction. Out novel approach is based not only on the number of vehicles in each lane, but also on the social characteristics of the passengers (e.g. a handicapped person, a driver with no previous traffic violations). These factors will be gleaned from IoT network sources on cars, traffic lights, individuals, municipality data, and more. In this paper, we suggest using a VCG (Vickrey-Clarke-Groves) auction mechanism for the intersection scheduling, combining the social characteristic with a benefit parameter that expresses the passenger’s subjective perception of the importance of crossing the intersection as soon as possible. Our simulation results show the efficiency of the suggested protocol and demonstrate how the intersection scheduling depends on the passengers’ preferences, as well as on their social priorities.