bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Local scale variation in plant assemblage’s attributes in the semi-arid region, Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Rodal Maria Nogueira , Costa Keila Cristina Carvalho , Lins e Silva Ana Carolina Borges
Published: October 2018

Variations in physiognomy and structure associated to abiotic factors in local scale rarely are reported for the typical vegetation of Northeastern Brazil semi-arid, Caatinga. It was tested if six adjacent biotopes with distinct altitudinal (450-690m) and pedological aspects present different woody plant attributes (structure and physiognomy). A total of 2,055 stems, 23 families, 64 species/ morpho-species were recorded. Clear altitudinal or pedological local-scale gradient could not be defined along a priori defined biotopes, which hold in fact two phytocoenoses: Plateau Summit, at greatest altitude, with distinct physiognomy and exclusive taxa; and lower altitude assemblage, presenting physiognomic and structural similarity
The Transfer of Railway Technologies and Afro-Asian Labor Processes within the British Empire
Authors: Kerr Ian J.
Published: October 2018

The transfer of railway technology within the British Empire, and particularly to India provides the focus for this paper that explores—conceptually, historiographically and substantively—what was transferred and how that transfer took place. Drawing upon the large-scale technical system literature and labor history the paper highlights various kinds and levels of transfer agents working through, albeit in an often-contested fashion, Afro-Asian labor processes as central components within the transfer process when railway construction was involved. Railway construction is then counterpoised to railway operation where the transfer process exhibited greater British dictation and adherence to British practice.
Colonial Railways and Conflict Resolution Between Portugal and the United Kingdom in Africa (c. 1880–early 1900s)
Authors: Pereira Hugo Silveira
Published: October 2018

In the 1870s, Portugal transferred the public works program it was undertaking on the mainland – in which railways played a decisive role – to its African colonies of Angola and Mozambique. In this strategy, the United Kingdom was an obvious partner, given the historical connection between both nations and the geographical proximity between the colonies each country had in Africa. However, British and Portuguese imperial agendas could easily clash, as both London and Lisbon coveted the same areas of Africa. Hence, the initial and apparent cooperation rapidly evolved to a situation of conflict. In this paper, I aim to analyse three instances of dispute between Portugal and Britain about colonial railways in Angola and Mozambique. I will use the methodological tools of conflict resolution analysis in a historical perspective and the concept of track-two diplomacy within the framework of technodiplomacy.
The Transport Revolution on Land and Sea: Farming, Fishing, and Railways in Great Britain, 1840-1914
Authors: Schwartz Robert M.
Published: October 2018

The introduction and expansion of rapid rail transportation in Great Britain helped transform sea fishing and make fresh fish a new commodity of mass consumption. In agriculture the rail network greatly facilitated the shift from mixed cereal farming to dairy farming. To demonstrate the timing and extent of these changes in food production this article blends history and geography to create a spatial history of the subject. Using the computational tools of GIS and text mining, spatial history charts the expanding geography and size of the fresh fish industry and documents the growing concern among fishermen of over-fishing. In agricultural, huge flows of cheap wheat from the United states caused a crisis in British wheat farming, forcing many farmers to convert arable land to pasture for use in dairy farming. Given the growing demand for fresh milk in cities and increased availability of rapid rail transport in rural areas, dairy farming replaced wheat farming in outlying counties such as Wiltshire, the example examined here.
Conflicts in Family Firms in the International Context: A Literature Review
Authors: Jurek Martin
Published: October 2018

Objective: This paper reviews the major family business research papers that address factors related to relationship and work-to-family conflicts.

Methodology: The procedure this paper applies follows recommendations for literature reviews by Fink (2010) consisting of: (1) selecting a research question (2) selecting bibliographic or article databases, (3) choosing search terms, (4) applying practical screening criteria, (5) applying methodical screening criteria, (6) doing the review and (7) synthesizing the results.

Findings: The article summarizes that, although family business research is progressing in terms of theory building, it continues to lack a systematic adoption of longitudinal, cross-national and multi-theoretical approaches. To date, research on conflict in family firms remains underdeveloped in the CEE.

Value Added: Outlining the state of the art of theoretical and empirical studies by applying a resource-based view.

Recommendations: Application of control variables, such as size of the business, business life cycles, generational status, type of industry and various cultural settings. Furthermore, the role of communication, sibling rivalry and perceived justice of family members could be investigated more thoroughly.
Exploring the Antecedents and Consequents of Student Experience in Higher Education Settings
Authors: Hermawan Asep , Yusran Husna Leila , Nugrahanti Asri
Published: October 2018

Objective: The objective of this paper is to explore the antecedents and consequents of student experience in higher education settings. Several variables such as co-creation value, social environment, physical environment and relational benefits are predicted as antecedents and consequents of student experience.

Methodology: The authors proposed the conceptual framework to identify antecedents and consequents of student experience in higher education.

Findings: Theoretically there is a possibility to create and the use of co creation in the higher education context to enhance student experience. The other factors should also be considered, such as physical environment (ambient, design and IT), social environment (Employee displayed emotion, and customer climate), and relational benefits. The findings suggest the necessary changes in how higher education institutions should be marketed with more focus on creating, communicating, and delivering value to enhance student experience.

Value Added: The author’s perspective on antecedents and consequents of student experience is a new interesting theme in higher education marketing. The paper proposed a testable propositions regarding the antecedents and consequences of student experience.
The Meaning of Work. A Semiotic Perspective for a Cross Cultural Analysis
Authors: Sastre Raquel
Published: October 2018

Objective: to compare the meaning of work for three different samples of people working in private companies and in the public sector in one hand, and living in two different countries: Argentina and the Canary Islands.

Methodology: original semiotics-based methodology

Findings: most of the variables that were ranked in the top three average results match in all three samples; Canarians and Argentineans have a different perspective about the State’s role; Canarian workers prefer social relationships over economic and security aspects while Argentineans prefer job stability due to a job insecurity context in the country.

Value Added: the new methodology helps in organizing thought using abductive logic. It helps understanding the meaning of complex phenomena.

Recommendations: it may be useful for managers and researchers in the area of Management for creating creative answers and solutions through the analysis of facts.
Spreading of Cracks Due to Thermal Fatigue in Metal Molds
Authors: Ružbarský Juraj , Biały Witold
Published: October 2018

The article deals with the formation and spread of cracks from thermal fatigue in metallic forms. For a detailed examination of the problem, it is necessary to describe the thermal side of the process and the mechanism of mechanical stressing of the material. For the heating of the material is valid where the thermal diffusivity of the material is exercised by the decision method. The stress of the material by heating from the die casting metal depends mainly on the physical properties of the material when the calculated stress does not exceed the yield point. Also, with the help of dislocations write the life to the origin of the cracks in the cycles eventually the share of this lifetime on the total lifetime in dependence on the mechanical and physical properties of the material. During operation tests the occurrence of the cracks on the mold surface was initiated by the inclusion or concentration of stress in the knurling effect of fine grooves after grinding. Other cracks occurred in the undersurface layer and their direction was statistically accidental.
Detection and Recording of Acoustic Emission in Discrete IGBT Transistors
Authors: Gordon Radosław , Dreas Andrzej
Published: October 2018

The article presents the results of experimental research, which is to show a correlation between the change of operating status of single IGBT transistor and its acoustic emission. Sensor signal was obtained with oscilloscope in order to further process it digitally and determine possibility of the damage to the element based on registered acoustic signal.
Analysis of Corners Milling of Aluminum Alloy Elements
Authors: Anasiewicz Kamil , Włodarczyk Maciej
Published: October 2018

The article presents comparative research on the effects of milling of concave corners of elements made of aluminum alloy 7075. The work focuses on the study of the impact of changes in technological parameters and types of machining on the obtained geometrical state of the machined samples. Correct milling of the corners requires selection of the appropriate feed rate and the proper engagement angle of the milling cutter. At the corners, tool engagement angle increases, which significantly hinders the execution of stable machining and adversely affects the geometric and qualitative characteristics of the surface in the corners. Study with application of various strategies and technological parameters of milling corners with variable opening angles were carried out. The main parameters of surface roughness of the machined elements were examined. When analyzing the results obtained, conclusions were formulated indicating the relationship between the change of selected technological parameters, with the assumed type of treatment, and the obtained quality parameters of the samples made.
Improvement of the Production Process in the Industry 4.0 Context
Authors: Grabowska Sandra
Published: October 2018

Dynamically changing conditions of business activity, rapid development of new technologies, increasing intensity of competition, progressing globalisation pose for entrepreneurs new, much more difficult principles than before, especially due to the increase of intensity and complexity of the environment. It is reflected in the necessity of continuous improvement of processes and their quick reorganisation. The aim of the article is to present research conducted in metallurgical enterprise. In the article individual stages of heat treatment process, taking into consideration complications, errors and quality defects of the product arising at the stage of manufacturing the product were described. In order to minimize resulting defects, quality improvement system was implemented, using, among others Ishikawa diagram. In view of the fact that the world stands on the threshold of next industrial revolution, directions of improvement of heat treatment process in the context of Industry 4.0 were indicated.
Design and Modeling of an Experimental Hydraulic Device
Authors: Tkáč Zdenko , Halenár Marek , Kosiba Ján
Published: October 2018

The design of the experimental laboratory device is based on the construction of the hydraulic circuits of mobile devices. It is possible to ensure the repeatability of the flow characteristic measurements at the laboratory. This means that in the operating test it is possible to verify the flow characteristics of the hydraulic pump and these results are not affected by the change in the physical properties of the applied liquid. By comparing of the flow characteristics directly on the work equipment (mini-excavator, etc.), the disadvantage is the need for dismantling the hydraulic pump and its mounting on the laboratory device. In some working device removal is not possible, where dismantling is structurally difficult or is time consuming, which increases the cost of their operation.The proposed experimental laboratory device serves to verify the flow characteristics of the hydraulic pump and is also designed to be universal, to test external gear hydraulic pump and hydraulic pump with inclined plate.
Practical Aspects of Event Logs Creation for Industrial Process Modelling
Authors: Trzcionkowska Agnieszka , Brzychczy Edyta
Published: October 2018

In the paper we address the challenge of applying process mining techniques for discovering models of underground mining operations based on a sensor data. The paper presents practical approach of creation an event log based on industrial sensors data gathered in an underground mine monitoring systems. The proposed approach enables to generate event logs at different generalization levels based on several numbers of discovered stages of devices performance. For discovering process stages data mining techniques such as exploratory data analysis, clustering and classification have been applied. Created event log has been used in one of the process mining tasks - process model discovery.
Quality Control in Aerosol Production
Authors: Fitrzyk Anna , Niemiec Katarzyna
Published: October 2018

Aerosol products are present in different industries including cosmetic, technical, household and many more. These products are subject to number of controls both at the pre-production, in-process and post-production stages. Controls at the pre-production stage relate to checking the conformity of individual components that make up the aerosol packaging, as well as raw materials that are used to create the formula. The checks carried out during the production process are mainly focused on the verification of parameters at particular stages of production. Whereas, post-production checks are related to the evaluation of the finished product. Due to the highest share of metal packaging in the aerosol products market, such products are the subject of this article.
Monitoring the Quality of Laser Cutting
Authors: Bernát Rastislav , Záležák Zoltán , Žarnovský Jozef , Kecskés Norbert , Peniaško Milan , Midor Katarzyna
Published: October 2018

In engineering industry the production of components begins with separation of the base material and this technological operation can be time consuming, especially in large-scale production. Such production can be made more efficient by means of laser technology focusing on material cutting. Efficiency of cutting is determined not only by shortening of working time or energy saving, but also by the required cutting quality. In the paper we compare the impact of cutting speed changing and laser beam performance on the cutting edge quality. Based on requirements of dimensional accuracy and preset roughness of the cutting edge, we evaluated the cutting quality of laser in samples of different materials. Measured values of sample dimensions and roughness are compared in conclusions of the paper, where we estimate whether the samples meet specified requirements of dimensional accuracy and roughness of the cutting edge in order to make the production process more efficient.
Analysis of the Impact of Unscheduled Downtimes on their Availability in Machine Operations
Authors: Brodny Jarosław
Published: October 2018

Unscheduled downtimes in machine operation are one of the main reasons behind their low availability. Such downtimes are caused by miscellaneous factors and remain difficult to identify in a number of cases. This particularly refers to enterprises that conduct their activities in changing external conditions, such as hard coal mines, where exploitation is carried out in extremely complicated, changeable and dangerous conditions. The process of coal production makes use of various machines that must be adapted to these conditions. The specificity of the working environment makes it necessary for these machines to exhibit high reliability, readiness and efficiency. These features, in turn, make the cost of the machines very high. It is therefore reasonable to make the best use of their capabilities, which translates into the effectiveness of the entire production process. The article concentrates on determining the availability of these machines. It has been assumed that availability is one of the fundamental parameters that define the effective utilisation of machines. The tests were conducted for a longwall shearer as well as an armoured face conveyor and a main haulage conveyor in one of the hard coal mines in Poland. Industrial automation systems were used to determine unscheduled downtimes in the operation of these machines, as well as their time structure and causes. The results obtained indicate that the number of unscheduled downtimes represents a serious problem in mining exploitation.
A Comparative Analysis of the Impact of CNC Miller Programming on Machining Effects
Authors: Kuczmaszewski Józef , Pieśko Paweł , Zawada-Michałowska Magdalena
Published: October 2018

This paper presents a comparison of the impact of the programming methods of a CNC miller on the machining effects. As a part of the study, the test samples were made of the EN AW-2024 aluminium alloy. The CNC machining programs compared were developed with two programming methods: by inputting the CNC machining program directly from the CNC miller's control panel (machine level programming) and in a CAM software environment (CAM programming). The machining effect indicators adopted included: machining time, surface quality, and dimensional deviation of specific geometrical features. A measurement of the machining times revealed than the CAM programming reduced the machining time up to 20% from the machining time of the machine level programming. A conclusion stands valid that CNC machining programs developed in the CAM software environment are more efficient than CNC programming directly with the CNC miller control panel, most likely due to the machining path optimisation in CAM. In addition, given the experimental test results, it was found that smaller machined errors were also obtained for CAM programming. To conclude, the comparative analysis revealed that CAM programming provided better machining results than the machine level programming.
Carbide Milling Cutter Blades Durability during Machining of AL-SI Casting Alloy
Authors: Kuczmaszewski Józef , Pieśko Paweł , Zawada-Michałowska Magdalena
Published: October 2018

The paper presents results of wear measurements of carbide shank milling cutters during machining of AlSi10Mg casting alloy. The comparison was made between blades wear of milling cutters without protective coating, with TiB2 coating, and with TiAlCN coating. All cutters had identical geometry dedicated to milling of materials of ISO N group. To assess blades wear degree, measurement of two direct indicators, i.e. VBC and VBBmax, and one indirect indicator, i.e. machined surfaces roughness, were used. Received results allowed to determine usefulness of using selected protective coatings in machining of aluminium alloys, especially Al-Si casting alloys.
Tests of an Innovative Controller Designed to Control the Powered Roof Support
Authors: Szurgacz Dawid , Gondek Horst
Published: October 2018

The article presents the methodology and results of tests of a prototype controller designed for the electrohydraulic control system of a powered roof support. This controller is the basic part of the developed, innovative control system. The tests were carried out on a custom-designed testing station, equipped with one section of a roof support. The aim of the research was to check the functionality and speed of the controller's response while working with the actual support section. The tested controller and the control system has a modular structure, which greatly facilitates its operation and use. Measurements of control functions were carried out on the controller connected to the electrohydraulic control block. The research mainly focused on determining the period starting from the moment of providing the signal to the moment of switching on the basic functions performed by the support section. The obtained results confirm the assumptions made. The controller's operation is very stable, and its response times are very short. It can therefore be assumed that the tested controller is correctly designed and constructed. This creates great possibilities for its practical application in the built-in system for controlling the roof support. This may be particularly important in the case of high-efficiency longwall complexes, for which wireless control of the support is planned to be used. The presented research methodology and obtained results should therefore be an important source of information in the field of testing controllers for powered roof supports.
Application of Industrial Automatics Systems for Monitoring of Operational States of Machines
Authors: Brodny Jarosław
Published: October 2018

In the recent years, industrial automatics practically was used in all domains of economy. Particularly, it concerns to manufacturing processes and technological processes. It seems that in these systems, very important meaning have measuring and control devices, installed practically in all production machines. Operational parameters of machines, registered by these systems are the kind of source of very important information, which not always are utilized in proper way by the users. Particularly, it concerns mining branch, where more technically advanced machines are used. However, not always their users utilize the big potential of these machines. For this reason, in the paper there are presented results of studies, enabling the application of industrial automatic systems to analyze operation states of machines, based on registered parameters of these machines. Longwall shearer was submitted to detailed analysis as the most important machine in mining exploitation process. There are presented proposals for application registered data for determine effectiveness of its utilization and to diagnose its technical condition. Presented paper is aimed to realize and encouraging users to wider practical use of the capabilities of industrial automation systems. This should improve efficiency and safety of production processes.
Impact Study of a Dust Removal System on Reduction of Selected Health Hazards of Employees in Carpentry
Authors: Michalski Krzysztof , Gembalska-Kwiecień Anna , Musioł Anna , Olejárová Štefánia
Published: October 2018

One of the most important aspects related to the proper functioning of prosperous enterprises in the wood industry is to ensure safe and hygienic working conditions. The fulfillment of this condition is obligatory for all workplaces regardless of the field of activity. Due to the specificity of the industry based on wood processing, this industry is inseparably connected with the problem of pollination at workplaces. The chips that are formed during processing make it difficult to work, remain in and around workplaces, creating additional risks and impairing the quality of the manufactured products. It is therefore necessary to apply solutions to eliminate the dust hazard. One of such solutions, belonging to collective protection measures against pollination, are dedusting installations. One of the tools to improve working conditions is mandatory risk assessment. Thanks to its reliable implementation, it is possible to identify hazards occurring at workplaces and take measures to improve working conditions. Proper management of occupational risk is one of the key elements to ensure protection against risks at an appropriate level. The article analyzes the impact of the dedusting installation on the reduction of selected health hazards for employees in the selected carpentry shop.
The Sourcing of Technologies, an Investigation in Metal Processing Cluster in Poland
Authors: Urban Wieslaw , Krawczyk-Dembicka Elzbieta
Published: October 2018

The development of enterprises in the globalised world depends on their development potential and ability to compete with other entities. Of key importance in the field of competitiveness is access to innovative technologies providing a competitive advantage and the ability to cooperate in their acquisition with other entities, e.g. in clusters. The authors attempted to identify the sources of technology and financing options used by companies in the metal processing industry. The studied entities are part of a cluster of national importance, and the adopted research method is based on an interview questionnaire. Studies have shown that most companies buy ready-made solutions and to a lesser extent cooperate in acquiring technology. Noticeable is also a relatively large share of financing investments in new technologies from public funds.
Concept of Methodology for Supporting Information and Technical Resources Management in Crisis Situations
Authors: Kaźmierczak Jan , Uchroński Jerzy
Published: October 2018

The article presents a concept of the methodology of managing information and technical resources related to carrying on the activities and actions described in the first part of the study, and the majority of legally determined actions resulting from the emergence of a crisis situation. As a research area, a special public utility object was chosen, namely a civil airport. The crisis situation that occurred at the airport requires the involvement of many services that aim to implement actions aimed at solving it. The process of the above-mentioned activities, covers formal, organizational and technical aspects. These aspects are briefly shown in the second part of the article. In the third part, special attention was paid to collecting information flows on the crisis situation. On the basis of the research, it was pointed out that the diversity of notification systems, both in the aspect of the available information resources and technical infra-structure, makes the information exchange process disturbed, which may have a significant impact on the time and manner of resolving the crisis situation. The authors in the article point out a possible way to solve this problem by unifying the system of informing all the services involved in activities in a crisis situation. The final part of the article attempts to present a methodology, based on the idea of creating templates of actions, activities and processes, the use of which for crisis management will allow involved bodies to improve the effectiveness of services in crisis conditions, especially in the area of making decisions based on available information.
Contemporary Computer Support Design Solutions for Industrial Infrastructure
Authors: Kostrzewa Waldemar , Kałkowska Elwira , Nozdrzykowski Krzysztof
Published: October 2018

This article is a proposition to use modern CAD (Computer Aided Design) solutions to design industrial infrastructure, and show many benefits of their practical use, avoiding numerously mistakes while the investment process, at the same time increasing the quality of created products during reducing the costs associated with their production. The paper proposes a method of stocktaking of the current state and methods of spatial layout analysis of planned investment using smart databases to configure the individual manufacture slots. The method of material flow analysis in the virtual model of the production line was presented, tools for the analysis of the production line were indicated, especially focused on collision identification, work schedule creation and parametric analysis of designed installations.
Microtools Based on the Relational Data Model – Conformity between Foreign and Primary Keys
Authors: Szczęśniak Bartosz
Published: October 2018

Tools which support and automate the execution of information processes may be created in a spreadsheet by following the author’s signature concept of “Microtools Based on the Relational Data Model”. While developing them, one must apply adequate solutions enabling representation of identified entities and ensuring data integrity as well as acquisition of the reports and collations assumed to be generated. This article addresses the problem of conformity between values of foreign keys in child entities and values of primary keys in parent entities. Four cases of relationships between a parent entity and a child entity have been discussed. One of the criteria that differentiates between these cases is the occurrence of a simple key or a composite key. Another applicable criterion is the sequence in which data are entered using the tool. With regard to all the identified cases, solutions that support data integrity have been presented and discussed. In accordance with the concept in question, the solutions proposed in the paper make use of standard spreadsheet features and components, without involving any additional code created in any programming language.
Ecological Innovations in Agricultural Production as a Pro-Development Factor of the Economy
Authors: Graczyk Magdalena , Kułyk Piotr , Kaźmierczak-Piwko Leszek , Augustowski Łukasz
Published: October 2018

The study presents the impact of eco-innovation and policy conducive to the implementation of the principles of sustainable development in agriculture on economic development. The starting point was the analysis of economic growth models and indicating in them the approach to innovation for the implementation of sustainable development. The specifics of eco-innovation in the agricultural sector and their typology have been presented. Due to the complexity of innovative processes and in particular the resulting effects, multi-component measures of innovation and eco-innovation have been discussed. In the last part, using the panel analysis, the effect of eco-innovation in agriculture on socio-economic development at the level of the entire economy has been demonstrated.
Assessment of Wood Processing Safety in the Production Organization
Authors: Kotus Martin , Koloman Krištof , Hudec Matej
Published: October 2018

Occupational health and safety legislation imposes an obligation on the production organization to regularly and comprehensibly inform employees of the dangers, threats and risks involved. In the paper, we assessed the basic requirements of safety in the wood processing workshop on the forming disc saw. Deficiencies in non-compliance with security regulations were determined from the check list analysis (CLA). The safety assessment was performed using the extended point method, where we determined the value of the risk measure. When working on a saw blade, the risk cannot be accepted and safety precautions have to be proposed. For the production organization, we have proposed remedial measures and a safety card to be considered before working on forming disc saw. All the measures proposed by us were accepted and implemented by the production organization. Applying and observing safety measures can prevent the occurrence of an occupational injury or damage to the health of the worker.
Fire Behaviors of the Geomaterial-Based Composite Plaster Coated Building Thermal Isolation Plates
Authors: Rızaoğlu Tamer , Karataş M. Ziya
Published: October 2018

Thermal insulation in buildings has been a problem for mankind throughout history. New materials have always been used in this context, and every new material has negative aspects such as environmental, economic and engineering. Although the building exterior insulation materials produced in recent years have made significant progress in terms of thermal comfort, but those with superior properties in resistance to fire are very limited. In this study, considering the environmental sensitivity, the plasters produced from the sands of arenitized granite, micaschist, pumice and expanded perlite rocks and their combinations were applied on expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS) foams and mineral wool for investigating the fire behaviors of each material. As a result of fire tests, it was observed that the most positive values were gained from micaschist based external isolation board, whereas the board obtained from arenitized granite gave the most negative values. With the combination of natural and environmentally friendly materials such as micaschist, perlite and pumice, on a fire resistant insulation material such as mineral wool, a highly fire resistant, environmentally sensitive and economical insulation material can be produced.
Unstandardized LCA-Based Technology Sustainability Assessment for Alternative Energy Scenarios for Cogeneration System
Authors: Kluczek Aldona
Published: October 2018

In pursuit of higher energy savings and de-carbonization, greater fuel diversity and lower pollutant emission is possible by production processes through energy-savings opportunities and associated environmentally-benign technologies. Current production processes represents the biggest consumption of energy, and the greatest amount of emissions emitted to the environment. Improvement in energy efficiency is considered as the basic principle in realizing energy-saving, bringing cost-effective benefits and reduction of greenhouse emissions. Hence, this study proposes a framework to assess alternative sustainability of cogeneration systems, integrating the economic, environmental, and social indicators. The results showed that the cogeneration system with a new boiler with a 600 PSIG pressure and a new turbine seems to be a cost-efficient solution compared to the baseline scenario saving energy at the level of 1,823,072 kWh/yr (63%) against the baseline scenario. In the case study, the implemented solution in the plant improved the overall sustainability degree of technology by 53% (from 46% as baseline to 97%).
Analysis of the Scale of Methane Hazard in Polish Hard Coal Mines
Authors: Tutak Magdalena
Published: October 2018

In the majority of Polish mines, the exploitation of hard coal is accompanied by the release of considerable amounts of methane. Being flammable and explosive, methane may form an explosive mixture with air once it appears in mine workings. For this reason, the methane hazard is recognised as one of the ventilation risks in the mining industry. This process leads to the formation of air and methane mixture, whose considerable amounts permeate into the atmosphere and the natural environment. This phenomenon is extremely unfavourable because methane is, besides carbon dioxide, yet another gas that exacerbates the greenhouse effect. For this reason, it is increasingly more common to equip mines with methane collection systems in the process of demethylation. These play a vital role for both the natural environment and the safety of work in mines. A reduction of the methane content in headings increases the safety of the working crew and enhances the effectiveness of mining production. The article presents an analysis of the methane-related hazard based on methane emissions during mining exploitation. The analysis was based on the data concerning the amount of methane emitted into the atmosphere and collected by methane extraction systems from 16 coal mines. It led to identification of homogenous mines with similar values of the absolute methane-bearing capacity and ventilation methane-bearing capacity as well as with similar amounts of methane collected by methane extraction systems. The analysis was performed using the non-hierarchical k-average method, which belongs to the group of algorithms for analysing clusters. As a result, the mines were divided into the assumed number of groups. The results obtained made it possible to determine a group of mines in which, in the Author’s opinion, similar systems can be applied for controlling and reducing the methane hazard. These results also open up numerous possibilities for undertaking joint business ventures by the mines in terms of using the collected methane and implementing preventive measures.
Verification of the Physical Load in Work of Nurses in Slovakia and Poland
Authors: Cechova Ivana , Bartnicka Joanna , Dulina Luboslav
Published: October 2018

Musculoskeletal complaints represent a common occupational problem for health care workers throughout the world. This study provides shortened results of review by Nordic Questionnaire, which was modified for review reasons. The aim of the study is verification of work-related load Slovak and Polish nurses in their work and mutual comparison of the results. Comparison of statistical sample of Slovak nurses (468) and Polish nurses (48 for this moment) points to certain common features in the field of pain and the determination of their causes. Verification of the knowledge base of nurses in the field of ergonomics, principles of manipulation of load and kinestetika shows slightly better results for Polish nurses. The study will continue to compare larger statistical samples, identify the most common pains and their causes to the reason prevent them.
Changing European retail landscapes: New trends and challenges
Authors: Kunc Josef , Križan František
Published: October 2018

During the second half of the 20thcentury, consumption patterns in the developed market economies have stabilised, while in the transition/EU-accession countries these patterns were accepted with unusual speed and dynamics. Differences, changes and current trends in Western Europe and post-socialist countries in the quantity and concentration of retailing activities have been minimised, whereas some distinctions in the quality of retail environments have remained. Changes have occurred in buying habits, shopping behaviour and consumer preferences basically for all population groups across the generations. This article is a theoretical and conceptual introduction to a Special Issue of the Moravian Geographical Reports (Volume 26, No. 3) on “The contemporary retail environment: shopping behaviour, consumers’ preferences, retailing and geomarketing”. The basic features which have occurred in European retailing environments are presented, together with a comparison (and confrontation) between Western and Eastern Europe. The multidisciplinary nature of retailing opens the discussion not only from a geographical perspective but also from the point of view of other social science disciplines that naturally interconnect in the retail environments.
From School Benches Straight to Retirement? Similarities and Differences in the Shopping Behaviour of Teenagers and Seniors in Bratislava, Slovakia
Authors: Križan František , Bilková Kristína , Kunc Josef , Madajová Michala Sládeková , Zeman Milan , Kita Pavol , Barlík Peter
Published: October 2018

The shopping behaviours of teenagers in shopping centres in Bratislava (Slovakia) is compared to those of seniors in this paper. The analysis focuses on the perception of shopping centres by teenagers and seniors in the context of time (shopping frequency), social (with whom they shop) and financial (amount of money spent) factors. The survey was conducted on random samples of 504 teenagers and 431 seniors. To test the hypotheses, group means were evaluated (Analysis of Variance models). When assessing the spatial aspects of teenagers’ and seniors’ shopping behaviours, a concentric zone approach was used. It can be concluded that Bratislava teenagers are not as sensitive consumers as seniors in the context of the variables assessed in the survey. Teenagers perceive shopping centres as a normal part of their consumption behaviours. Seniors perceive the shopping centres less positively and they spent a shorter time there. Also, in the case of seniors, the frequency of their visits to shopping centres increased in the context of their positive perceptions.
Effect of nanocrystals concentration on optical and luminescent properties of PVK:ZnSe nanocomposites
Authors: Sharma Kanupriya , Kumar Praveen , Verma Gaurav
Published: October 2018

This work presents a systematic study of the effect of ZnSe nanocrystals (NCs) concentration on the optical and luminescent properties of poly N-vinylcarbazole (PVK) polymer nanocomposites. The ZnSe nanocrystals were synthesized by a simple coprecipitation chemical route, while PVK:ZnSe nanocomposite films were fabricated using the spin coating technique. The samples were characterized by XRD, TEM, SEM, UV-Vis and fluorescence techniques. The X-ray diffraction and TEM studies confirmed the particle size, microstructure and spherical shape of the synthesized nanocrystals. The ZnSe nanocrystals in PVK caused a decrease in optical gap with increasing concentration of nanocrystals. The emission spectra exhibited augmentation in intensity up to 70 wt.% of nanoparticles while further addition resulted in a decrease in luminescence. The structure-property relationships obtained for the present system are important for developing low cost illumination devices.
Hermenuticals of Human Movement and Sport: Holism and Harmony
Authors: Jirásek Ivo , Hurych Emanuel , Oborný Josef
Published: October 2018

The paper deals with the hermeneutical approach to active human movement and sport. This topic has been more frequently examined in literature since 2010. This paper focuses on holism and harmony within the hermeneutics of sport. Some specific holistic approaches based on different viewpoints are described here. The key task of the middle part of the paper is to question and search for authentic meanings in sport. In this context, the theory of kinestructs and kinascepts by Eleaonor Metheny is briefly explained. The final part of the paper attempts to summarize possibilities for uncovering a deeper sense of human movement in the context of holism.
Challenges That Make/Break the Athlete’s Quest to Become an Entrepreneur: A Qualitative Study About Fans’ Perceptions
Authors: Hasaan Syed Ali , Nawaz Shahid , Iqbal Syed Javed , Khalid Jawaria
Published: October 2018

Athletes are a new type of celebrity in the world. Following other celebrities, there are several examples of athletes who have used their persona of fame to go a step further with their so-called personal brands and actually launch products carrying their names. As athletes are considered brands in themselves, these sorts of activities (i.e., introducing a product brand) are considered as an extension of the athlete’s brand. Given the nature of the research, this study employed a qualitative design. A purposeful convenience sampling technique was employed to select study participants according to a set of predetermined criteria. The final sample comprised nine fans. The fans identified five major factors that could be important in the context of an athlete’s decision to start his/her own brand. The five identified factors that could decide the fate of an athlete’s brand extensions were the athlete’s origin, extension fit, gender, performance, and impression. According to fans, these factors play an important role in the athlete’s venture as an entrepreneur. The study suggests that although fans understand that athletes are brands in themselves, Pakistani fans are not fond of the idea of athletes becoming entrepreneurs due to the fans’ emotional attachment to the athletes. As this is the first study expressing fans’ perspectives in the context of athlete brand extension, this study is an addition to the academic literature and theories of athlete branding and athletes as entrepreneurs.
Treatment of a Chronic Wound - A Case Report of a Patient Treated at the Centre for Hyperbaric Oxygen and Treatment of Wounds in Bydgoszcz
Authors: Zieliński Ewa , Grobelska Kinga , Dzięgielewski Piotr , Olszański Romuald
Published: October 2018

This paper presents a case report of a patient with a diagnosed complication of a sternum wound which was treated using hyperbaric oxygen, emphasizing the truism of the benefits of combined surgical therapy, antibiotic therapy and oxybarotherapy.
Preparation of Activated Carbon from the Biodegradable film for Co2 Capture Applications
Authors: Serafin J. , Antosik A.K. , Wilpiszewska K. , Czech Z.
Published: October 2018

In this work for the fi rst time, activated carbons were prepared from carboxymethyl fi lm (low-cost carboxymethyl fi lm waste), using chemical activation with potassium hydroxide. The samples were characterized by nitrogen adsorption-desorption at 77 K, XRD, SEM methods. The high values of the specifi c surface area and total pore volume were achieved and were equal to 2064 m2/g and 1.188 cm3/g, respectively. Waste from the fi lm can be immediately utilized without CO2 production. This is the environmentally friendly way of waste utilization. Through this process, we can protect our environment. This study showed that the activated carbon obtained from carboxymethyl fi lm waste can be used as a good adsorbent for CO2 adsorption.
Batch Electrodialysis of Lactic Acid Obtained from Lab Fermentation
Authors: Lech Magdalena , Trusek Anna
Published: October 2018

The aim of this work was to develop the method of lactic acid (LA) separation from fermented whey. CMI-7000 Cation Exchange Membrane and AMI-7001 Anion Exchange Membrane were employed in electrodialysis process. Experiments showed that the selected membranes separated organic acids effectively (including LA) from other organic ingredients present in medium. Selecting an appropriate volume of a receiving chamber could lead to LA concentration. Moreover, membrane fouling during separation was investigated. This phenomenon is negligible which is the main advantage of this process. As it was shown during batch processes, with the voltage increase, the rate of electrodialysis increases as well. It prompts to a reduction of residence time in electrodialyzer during a continuous separation.
Improving the Carbon Dioxide Uptake Efficiency of activated Carbons Using a Secondary Activation With Potassium Hydroxide
Authors: Zgrzebnicki Michal , Michalczyszyn Ewa , Wrobel Rafal J.
Published: October 2018

Secondary activation of commercial activated carbon (AC) ORGANOSORB 10-CO was carried out at 600, 700 and 800oC with mass ratios of potassium to AC (K/AC) in range 1-3. Crucial samples have shown following CO2 uptakes and SSA - 3.90 mmol/g and 1225 m2/g, 4.54 mmol/g and 1546 m2/g, 4.28 and 1717 m2/g for pristine material and samples obtained at 700oC with K/AC = 2 and at 800oC with K/AC = 3 respectively. Last sample also indicated signifi cant mesopore volume increase in diameter range 2-5 nm, from 0.11 to 0.24 cm3/g. CO2 uptake increase was explained by formation of micropores up to diameter of 0.8 nm, which distribution was established from CO2 sorption using DFT. Surface chemistry of all samples has not changed during modifi cation, what was proven by XPS. Moreover, deeper incorporation of potassium ions into graphite at higher temperatures was observed as confi rmed with EDS, XPS and XRD.