bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Network Actual Traffic Prediction Algorithm Based on α-stable Distribution and Wavelet Transformation
Authors: Chen Guobin , Luo Nanying
Published: May 2015

In order to improve the prediction precision of wireless sensor network traffic, a new prediction algorithm (State Prediction algorithm based on α-stable distribution α, SP-α) is proposed, combined with α-stable distribution and wavelet transformation. The algorithm proposed first defines the characteristics of α-stable distribution and then gives the judge basis that obeys α-stable distribution. At the same time, it reduces the prediction error of the actual traffic by fusion of the prediction results of α-stable distribution with wavelet transformation. Finally, the paper thoroughly researches the key factors impacting on the new algorithm through simulations in OPNET and MATLAB. Compared with the performance of FARIMA model, the simulation results proved that SP-α algorithm has better adaptability.
A Distributed Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Network for Chaotic Time Series Prediction
Authors: Terziyska Margarita
Published: May 2015

In this paper a Distributed Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Architecture (DANFA) model with a second order Takagi-Sugeno inference mechanism is presented. The proposed approach is based on the simple idea to reduce the number of the fuzzy rules and the computational load, when modeling nonlinear systems. As a learning procedure for the designed structure a two-step gradient descent algorithm with a fixed learning rate is used. To demonstrate the potentials of the selected approach, simulation experiments with two benchmark chaotic time systems − Mackey-Glass and Rossler are studied. The results obtained show an accurate model performance with a minimal prediction error.
Business Intelligence Systems for Analyzing University Students Data
Authors: Kabakchieva Dorina
Published: May 2015

: Globalization and ICT rapid development have led to strong competition between educational institutions. Advanced analytical technologies, including Business Intelligence (BI) tools, are implemented at universities worldwide for analyzing data and getting profound knowledge of the students, their individual learning characteristics and specific educational needs. This paper presents an example of BI implementation for student data analysis.
Michelangelo Merisi Da Caravaggio and Multimedia Presentations - A Marriage of Beauty of Art and The Art of Presentation / Michelangelo Merisi Da Caravaggio I Prezentacje Multimedialne - Mariaż Piękna Sztuki I Sztuki Prezentacji
Authors: Szyłak-Szydłowski Mirosław
Published: May 2015

In this paper, the evolution of the style of Caravaggio had been traced and, focusing on the selected images it had been proved that the methods used by that eminent painter can successfully be applied during the creation of modern, effective multimedia presentations. The strength of Caravaggio was in its simplicity and mundane. For indicated formal measures may be included, inter alia: the elimination of tonally extended second plan and replace it with a dark, uniform background. Caravaggio calmed down composition painting almost monochromatic paintings, which emphasizes the foreground, as well as the keynote message. In the paper it was emphasized that exactly the same objectives should be guided in the creation of multimedia presentations, extracted from unnecessary embellishments that irrupt to the fore dispersing attention. Based on the analysis of selected paintings, in the article, review of procedures associated with the colors of multimedia presentations, extremely important in creating multimedia presentations and highlighting media had been proposed. Several theories related to the psychology of color had been also presented, and also sought to answer the question of why we should not trust psychologists boundlessly.
Numerical Strength Analysis of a Complex, Steel Shell Structure/ Numeryczna Analiza Wytrzymałosciowa Pewnej Złożonej, Stalowej Konstrukcji Powłokowej
Authors: Burczynski Grzegorz , Marcinowski Jakub
Published: May 2015

The paper deals with the numerical modelling of a complex, steel shell structure. The part under analysis is the upper segment of a steel pylon, which consists of several cylindrical shells and one conical segment. Particular parts of the structure are welded together. Geometrical and loading data calculations were performed for the particular material for both an ideally elastic case and an elasto-plastic case. The conclusion that the structural member analysed required strengthening were drawn on the basis of these results. The structural modification was proposed and additional calculations for this modified structure were also performed. Introduced additional shell elements locked the mechanism of plastic flow. The proposed modification can be treated as a possible strengthening concept. The whole analysis was performed by means of the ABAQUS system but some stages of calculations were also verified by the COSMOS/M system.
Development of Shear Connections in Steelconcrete Composite Structures
Authors: Biegus Antoni , Lorenc Wojciech
Published: May 2015

Different types of shear connectors and modelling techniques are presented. Basic research conducted or presented after year 2000 is taken into consideration, following the idea of concrete dowel implemented in the form of perfobond strip at the beginning of the 1980s by F. Leonhardt. The latest research in the field of continuous shear connectors applied in bridges is highlited with special focus at the composite dowel shear connection, as it seems to be the most modern solution being strongly introduced to the industry. Final shape of composite dowel shear connection is presented.
Mathematical Reliability Model of Building Components by Rayleigh
Authors: Nowogońska Beata
Published: May 2015

The patterns of process situations play an important role in the monitoring of diagnostic processes. The adaptation of mathematical models describing the degradation processes in mechanical and electronic devices creates opportunities to develop diagnostic standards for buildings erected in traditional technology. This article presents a proposal for the prediction of building operational reliability, which is a prognostic process model within the full period of its use.
Numerical Modelling of Soil Arching in a Shallow Backfill Layer
Authors: Szajna Waldemar St.
Published: May 2015

The paper presents the application of the finite element method into the modelling of soil arching. The phenomenon plays fundamental role in soil-shell flexible structures behaviour. To evaluate the influence of arching on a pressure reduction, a plain strain trapdoor under a shallow layer of backfill was simulated. The Coulomb-Mohr plasticity condition and the nonassociated flow rule were used for the soil model. The research examines the impact of the internal friction angle and the influence of the backfill layer thickness on the value of soil arching. The carried out analyses indicate that the reduction of pressures acting on a structure depends on the value of the internal friction angle, which confirms the earlier research. For a shallow backfill layer however, the reduction is only a local phenomenon and can influence only a part of the structure.
Financial And Non-financial Factors Motivating Individual Donors To Support Public Benefit Organizations
Authors: Waniak-Michalak Halina , Zarzycka Ewelina
Published: May 2015

This study is aimed at determining how the financial data of public benefit organizations (PBOs) affects donations received by them and if the donors use financial and non-financial information in order to donate. In order to achieve our aim we used different methods of research: quantitative research (econometric model and survey) and qualitative research (laboratory test). The research allowed us to draw the conclusion that Polish donors make very limited use of PBOs’ financial statements in the donation process and that non-financial information plays greater role for donors in making decisions to give charitable donations. The most important information is the organization's goals and descriptions of its projects. At the same time, many donors stated that they donated under the influence of people they knew. This article fits into the scope of world research on PBOs and uses the concept of civil society.
Development of an Exterior-Mount Real Time Sugar Beet Yield Monitoring System for a Sugar Beet Harvester
Authors: Bagherpour H. , Minaei S. , Abdollahian Noghabi M. , Khorasani Fardavani M. Esmail
Published: May 2015

The main priorities in crop production are increasing the yield and decreasing the cost of production. Precision farming is the best practice to approach these goals. For real time measurement of sugar beet yield, a yield monitor was developed, and installed on the exterior side of the harvester’s chassis. The advantage of this arrangement over similar systems is the location of the load cell and system’s frame which prevents blockage by trash, mud or plant roots. For measurement of weight, one load cell on each side of the harvester chassis was used. Conveyor and ground speeds were measured using two proximity sensors. Because vibrations of the harvester can affect the output signals, it is necessary to find the main bandwidth associated with the weights moving on the conveyor. For this purpose, three different masses were placed on the moving conveyor and this bandwidth was determined using signal processing. Then, a suitable filter was designed and undesirable frequencies acting as noise were attenuated. After calibrating all the sensors, final evaluation of the system was performed in the field and the mean and standard deviation of error were 6.48% and 1.52, respectively. Although the error may seem to be somewhat high but the low of standard deviation indicates that there is a similar error in all tests. These negative errors indicate that the weight is systematically overestimated by the monitor. Thus, the error can be reduced by minor changes in conveyor shape or modified by software means. By software modification, the systematic error was alleviated. The median sugar beet yield was thus obtained to be 42.7 t/ha. Comparing this with the actual mean yield of 41.8 t/ha, it differs by only about 2%.
Banach algebra of the Fourier multipliers on weighted Banach function spaces
Authors: Karlovich Alexei
Published: May 2015

Let MX,w(ℝ) denote the algebra of the Fourier multipliers on a separable weighted Banach function
space X(ℝ,w).We prove that if the Cauchy singular integral operator S is bounded on X(ℝ, w), thenMX,w(ℝ)
is continuously embedded into L∞(ℝ). An important consequence of the continuous embedding MX,w(ℝ) ⊂
L∞(ℝ) is that MX,w(ℝ) is a Banach algebra.
Towards a Numerical Model of Bacterial Filtration in Fibrous Filters
Authors: Gac Jakub M. , Gradoń Leon
Published: May 2015

A model of bacterial filtration on fibrous filter media is developed. The single fibre efficiency as well as the efficiency of the whole filter - at the onset of the process and the evolution of those quantities - are analysed. The differences between the numerical modelling of colloidal particles and bacteria are stressed in detail. The main differences are the active motion ability of bacteria and biofilm formation. The parameters of the model were identified based on the literature data.
Ethnic conflict in the so-called Presevo Valley. The role of the Orhodox Christianity/ Konflikt etniczny w tzw. Dolinie Preszewa. Rola religii prawosławnej w konflikcie
Authors: Zenderowski Radosław , Wiśniewski Rafał
Published: May 2015

The aim of this paper is to determine the role of the Orthodox Christianity in the ethnic Serbian- Albanian conflict in the so-called Presevo Valley. This conflict between ethnically and religiously divided societies escalated to a military phase at the turn of the 20th century. The data on the role of the Orthodox Christianity in the conflict and the perception of its characteristics by local Serbs was acquired through the field research conducted in September 2011. The paper is divided into four sections. The first section includes a general description of the Serbian-Albanian conflict in the so-called Presevo Valley; the second part consists of a theoretical framework of the role of religion in ethnic conflicts; the third section contains a field research methodology; and the fourth, main part consists of the analysis of the field data. The analysis of the acquired data was organised in four thematic streams: (a) the defensive character of the Orthodox religion, (b) the Serbian Orthodox Church as a national and religious institution, (c) the perception of local and newcomer Muslims, (d) the perception of the role of religion and other factors in the local ethnic conflict.

The conclusion coming from this article is that the religion plays a negligible role in the discussed conflict which was mostly influenced by economic and ideological factors. However, religion can be cleverly instrumentalised in a conflict. Additionally, on the Serbian side, there is visible an increased victimisation discourse (where Serbs are the victims) containing both national and religious motives.
Constitutional principles of the system of Chechnya in the years 1992–2000/ Konstytucyjne zasady ustroju Czeczenii w latach 1992–2000
Authors: Szukalski Jerzy
Published: May 2015

The article presents constitutional principles of the system in Chechnya in the years 1992-2000, the time of the republic’s actual independence. The basis of the analysis is the examination of the 12 March 1992 Constitution of the Republic Chechnya. The chief principles of the system of Republic Chechnya, discussed in chapter 1 and 2, were: the principle of sovereignty and independence, the principle of a republican form of government, the principle of a democratic state of law, the principle of freedom, human and civil rights, the principle of sovereignty of the nation, the principle of political representation, the principle of separation and balance of powers, the principle of a unicameralism, the principle of political pluralism, the principle of a parliamentary system of government, the principle of separateness and autonomy of judicial power, the principle of decentralisation of the public power and local government. The conclusion underlines the fact these principles articulated the values and ideals of a democratic order in the independent Chechnya.
Reviews. Reports/ Recenzje. Sprawozdania
Authors: Dawidowicz Aneta , Nowak Jakub , Cieciora Monika , Bojarczyk Bartosz , Olchowski Jakub
Published: May 2015

1.Aneta Dawidowicz, rec. [Bogumił Grott, Dylematy polskiego nacjonalizmu. Powrót do tradycji czy przebudowa narodowego ducha, Warszawa 2014, Wydawnictwo Von Borowiecky, ss. 415]

2.Jakub Nowak, rec. [Tomasz Gackowski, Władza na dywaniku. Jak polskie media rozliczają polityków?, Wydawnictwo Adam Marszałek, Toruń 2013, ss. 418]

3.Monika Cieciora, rec. [Katarzyna Kuć-Czajkowska, Monika Sidor (red.), Miasta - społeczne aspekty funkcjonowania, Wydawnictwo UMCS, Lublin 2014, ss. 384]

4.Bartosz Bojarczyk, Jakub Olchowski, Sprawozdanie z konferencji „Bosnia and Herzegovina in International System”
Shareholding Structure and Dividend Policy as Exemplified by the Stock-listed Industrial Companies
Authors: Gawryś Iwona
Published: May 2015

This article is aimed at evaluating the influence of the forms of controlling stock-listed companies upon the decisions being taken in regard of the distribution of profits and the payout of dividends in the unstable macro-economic environment. The form of the ownership supervision reflects the relations between shareholders and managers of the company. The conflicts resulting from the separation of ownership and management of a company concern, among others, the dividend payout. The dividend constitutes a shareholder’s reward for rendering his capital available to the company, while for a company it is a cost in the form of the capital’s reduction and the limitation of investing abilities. Whereas the macro-economic environment influences the financial standing of companies and their profits, which are then used for paying out dividends, and simultaneously defines the investment needs of companies. A hypothesis can be put forward that the economic slowdown limits the access to attractive investment projects, which results in companies being interested in the payout of relatively high dividends. This hypothesis is verifiable on the ground of the decisions taken in regard of the distribution of the profit made by the stock-listed companies of the processing industry between 2007 and 2012.
Casino Taxation in a Normative and Economic Context: the Case of Poland
Authors: Hybka Małgorzata Magdalena
Published: May 2015

The aim of this article is twofold. First, it provides an overview of theoretical background of casino taxation. Second, it analyses the provisions of the Act regulating casino taxation in Poland and evaluates the consequences of the new Gambling Law in force since 2010. The first section of it discusses motives, outcomes and forms of casino taxation, taking into account inter alia the assumptions of optimal tax theory. It then deals with Polish regulations concerning the organisation of gambling in casinos and gambling tax design. The last section of the article analyses the scale of operation of Polish casinos, their revenues and the tax due on gambling activities.
Equity Investments vs. Debt Investments – What Drives OFDI in Polish Industry
Authors: Kłysik-Uryszek Agnieszka
Published: May 2015

Polish economy witnessed enormous changes over the past 25 years. Systematic economic growth, increasing market openness, legal stabilization and integration with EU have substantially improved Poland’s global competitive position. That is reflected, among others, in intensified flows of long-term capital in the form of foreign direct investment (FDI). What is worth stressing, the last decade (regardless the economic crisis) brought a significant rise of investments made by Polish companies abroad (Outward FDI). It should be mentioned however, that the FDI flows are usually analyzed (in both theoretical and empirical literature) as if they consist only of equity investments, when in fact they consist also of intracompany loans. As the latter may not be driven by the same factors as equity flows, the real structure of FDI flows should be taken into consideration while evaluating the investment potential of companies. The paper examines selected issues concerning international expansion of Polish companies in the form of foreign direct investment. It provides theoretical background of the problem, explores the reasons for expansion and presents the structure of foreign direct investment by Polish industrial companies in the period 2003-2012 with regard to the equity and debt components of the flows. The study is based on the data provided by the National Bank of Poland (NBP).
Management – from Epistemology by Methodology to Social Practice of Academia Cognitive Challenges in Management Science 2
Authors: Sułkowski Łukasz
Published: May 2015

The aim of the article is to present cognitive challenges in the area of management. Researchers and reflective managers still work on the identity of management belonging to the social sciences. The paper depicts the connections between cognitive problems (from the epistemological point of view), management methodology and social practice. Management sciences are parts of historical discourse and because of that epistemological and methodological levels have an impact on social practice. The main concern of this paper is the role of the management scientist, consultant and teacher. The analysis suggests that academic teacher and researcher are social roles with a character that can be called universal. Practitioner is associated rather with pragmatic aspect of management science. Practitioners are often regarded as managers, but their roles in the organisation might as well be non-managerial.
Committee of Electronics and Telecommunications Polish Academy of Sciences Structure – Activities – Perspectives
Authors: Modelski Józef , Romaniuk Ryszard
Published: May 2015

Committee of Electronics and Telecommunications of the Polish Academy of Sciences (KEiT PAN) has been acting on behalf of scientific community in Poland since 1960. The article presents structure, statutory tasks, and Committee activities on behalf of the integration and development of electronics and telecommunications sciences and technology in Poland. The Committee of Electronics and Telecommunications of PAS is all the time an active participant of research life in the country. However, this participation is different than it used to be, and all the time is subject to intense changes. The authors present critically the current status of the Committee, but also undertake an effort to newly define the role, activity and potential of KEiT PAN, in completely new conditions of doing research in Poland, Europe and worldwide, than it was at that time, when the PAS Committees were originally defined. The conclusions, upon possible acceptance by the national research and technical communities of electronics and telecommunications, may possibly serve to change and/or optimise the work of the Committee in the near future
Automatic Test Bench for Selected Transmission Parameters of Power Line Conductors
Authors: Chruszczyk Łukasz
Published: May 2015

This paper presents automatic test bench used for measurement of selected high frequency parameters of a power copper line. The aim is fast estimation of line behavior in context of Power Line Communication (PLC). The hardware interface uses sinusoidal waveform generator, digital oscilloscope and a PC-class computer. The software interface created in LabVIEW environment performs signal processing and data presentation
New Structure of Test Pattern Generator Stimulating Crosstalks in Bus-type Connections
Authors: Garbolino Tomasz
Published: May 2015

The paper discloses the idea of a new structure for a Test Pattern Generator (TPG) for detection of crosstalk faults that may happen to bus-type interconnections between built-in blocks within a System-on-Chip structure. The new idea is an improvement of the TPG design proposed by the author in one of the previous studies. The TPG circuit is meant to generate test sequences that guarantee detection of all crosstalk faults with the capacitive nature that may occur between individual lines within an interconnecting bus. The study comprises a synthesizable and parameterized model developed for the presented TPG in the VLSI Hardware Description Language (VHDL) with further investigation of properties and features of the offered module. The significant advantages of the proposed TPG structure include less area occupied on a chip and higher operation frequency as compared to other solutions. In addition, the design demonstrates good scalability in terms of both the hardware overhead and the length of the generated test sequence
Identification of Circuit Parameters for the Specified or Measured Performances
Authors: Rutkowski Jerzy
Published: May 2015

Extension of the method of analog circuit parameter identification for the specified design performances, originally presented by the same author in 1982, is described. These parameters are designated by means of PSpice simulation of the adjoint circuit to the original one. In this adjoint circuit, elements of the original circuit, described by the sized parameters, are replaced by controlled sources. Each such source is controlled by the differential voltage or current, difference between the calculated voltage or current and the specified one, with infinitely large gain. The method is applicable to both linear and nonlinear DC circuits and AC circuits and can be used in many fields of analog circuit design, such as: finding of acceptability region, analog fault diagnosis, postproduction identification and tuning. In the later cases, design performances are replaced by measurements of Circuit Under Test (CUT). Simplicity, extremely low computational complexity and high accuracy are the main benefits of the proposed, basic Circuit Theory based, approach - the solution is found after a single PSpice simulation. For better understanding of the presented methodology, five practical examples are discussed
Test Procedures for Synchronized Oscillators Network CMOS VLSI Chip
Authors: Kowalski Jacek , Strzelecki Michał
Published: May 2015

The paper presents test procedures designed for application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) CMOS VLSI chip prototype that implements a synchronized oscillator neural network with a matrix size of 32×32 for object detecting in binary images. Networks of synchronized oscillators are recently developed tool for image segmentation and analysis. This paper briefly introduces synchronized oscillators network. Basic chip analog building blocks with their test procedures and measurements results are presented. In order to do measurements, special basic building blocks test structures have been implemented in the chip. It let compare Spectre simulations results to measurements results. Moreover, basic chip analog building blocks measurements give precious information about their imperfections caused by MOS transistor mismatch. This information is very usable during design and improvement of a special setup for chip functional tests. Improvement of the setup is a digitally assisted analog technique. It is an original idea of oscillators tuning procedure used during chip prototype testing. Such setup, oscillators tuning procedure and segmentation of sample binary images are presented
Long-term Survival of Patients with Breast Cancer and Brain Metastases: ‘The experience of the 2nd Oncology Department of Metropolitan Hospital and a brief review of the literature’
Authors: E Aravantinou-Fatorou , D Skarlos , G Klouvas , E Galani , C. Christodoulou
Published: May 2015

Background: Novel therapeutic approaches and new compounds during the last decade have prolonged survival of breast cancer patients with metastatic disease, resulting in higher incidence of central nervous system (CNS) metastases. Many of these patients live longer than expected.

Patients and methods: We reviewed breast cancer patients with brain metastases from our department, living longer than 1 year. Our purposes were to present patient and treatment characteristics and correlate them with disease outcome. Moreover, we aimed at reviewing the current literature.

Results: We detected 20 women with brain metastases from breast cancer, living longer than 1 year. The mean age was 41 years (range 22-61 years). One (5%) woman had luminal A breast cancer type, four (20%) patients had luminal B and HER2 negative, nine (45%) patients luminal B and HER2 positive, four (20%) patients HER2 enriched and two (10%) patients had triple-negative breast cancer. Most of them (70%) had infiltrating ductal histological type and grade 3. Moreover, the majority had known metastatic disease when brain metastases appeared. The most common sites of disease were lung, liver and bone. Median time from breast cancer diagnosis until the presence of CNS metastases was 44 months (range 6-204 months). The progression free survival (PFS) of the most chemotherapeutic schedules was according to the literature. However, PFS of some compounds exceeded all expectations. Median time of survival was 25 months (range 13-116 months). Ten patients are still alive, having achieved a median survival rate of 35 months (range 17-78 months).

Conclusion: The combination of surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and anti HER2 treatments is at present the best way to extend the OS and improve the quality of life of breast cancer patients with brain metastases. Prognostic markers for assessing brain metastases are required. Application of prophylactic treatment for these patients is under consideration.
Public Provision and Cross-Border Health Care
Authors: Granlund David , Wikström Magnus
Published: May 2015

We study how the optimal public provision of health care depends on whether or not individuals have an option to seek publicly financed treatment in other regions. We find that, relative to the first-best solution, the government has an incentive to over-provide health care to low-income individuals. When cross-border health care takes place, this incentive is solely explained by that over-provision facilitates redistribution. The reason why more health care facilitates redistribution is that high-ability individuals mimicking low-ability individuals benefit the least from health care when health and labor supply are complements. Without cross-border health care, higher demand for health care among high-income individuals also contributes to the over-provision given that high-income individuals do not work considerably less than low-income individuals and that the government cannot discriminate between the income groups by giving them different access to health care.
Women And Visual Representations Of Space In Two Chinese Film Adaptations Of Hamlet
Authors: CHEANG WAI FONG
Published: May 2015

This paper studies two Chinese film adaptations of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Xiaogang Feng’s The Banquet (2006) and Sherwood Hu’s Prince of the Himalayas (2006), by focusing on their visual representations of spaces allotted to women. Its thesis is that even though on the original Shakespearean stage details of various spaces might not be as vividly represented as in modern film productions, spaces are still crucial dramatic elements imbued with powerful significations. By analyzing the two Chinese film adaptations alongside the original Hamlet text, the paper attempts to reinterpret their different representations of spaces in relation to their different historical-cultural gender notions.
The Ghost Tradition: Helen Of Troy In The Elizabethan Era
Authors: RADUCANU ADRIANA
Published: May 2015

Reputedly the most beautiful woman who has ever lived, Helen of Troy (or Sparta) is less well known for her elusive, ghost-like dimension. Homer wrote that the greatest war of Western classical antiquity started because of Helen's adultery followed by her elopement to Troy. Other ancient writers and historians, among theme Aeschylus, Stesichorus, Hesiod, Pausanias, Aristophanes, Euripides and Gorgias of Leontini, challenged the Homeric version, in various ways and attempted to exonerate Helen either by focusing on her phantom/ ghost/ as the generic object of man's desire and scorn or by casting doubt on the mechanisms of the blaming process. This paper argues that the Elizabethans Christopher Marlowe and William Shakespeare adopted and adapted the anti-Homer version of the depiction of Helen, what I here call “the ancient Helen ghost tradition”; nevertheless, in so doing they further reinforced the character's demonic features and paradoxically achieved a return to the adulterous Homeric Helen.
Why So Much Sexual Violence Against Women In Globalized India?
Authors: ADHIKARI HARASANKAR
Published: May 2015

This paper attempts to discuss the causes of violence against women in India in relation to their body-revealing dress and conditional consent to sexual relations. Historically, women in Indian society have been victims of gender practices under the typical patriarchy. Culturally, women are treated as sex objects and their status is bounded within the periphery of feminine role-relations as housekeepers and pro-creators of generation. Women's education and participation in the workforce are not bringing with them the expected changes in gender stereotyped-ness. Even the work done on gender justice and women's human rights has failed to establish their status as anything more than sex objects. The rampant sexual violence against women is a reminder that the problem is deeply rooted in Indian society. In such a situation we may not be able to avoid considering the responsibility of women. Their body-revealing clothing and conditional consent to sexual relation are significant in provoking men into treating them as sex objects. So we should think about how to bring about a change in gender practices and this should start in each and every family. The family as a correctional institution should teach its offspring about gender equality and their behavior and attitude towards gender should regard the physical and physiological differences between the sexes as minor. This might perhaps be a step towards reducing violence against women.
Muscle Torque and its Relation to Technique, Tactics, Sports Level and Age Group in Judo Contestants
Authors: Lech Grzegorz , Chwała Wiesław , Ambroży Tadeusz , Sterkowicz Stanisław
Published: May 2015

The aim of this study was to perform a comparative analysis of maximal muscle torques at individual stages of development of athletes and to determine the relationship between muscle torques, fighting methods and the level of sports performance.

The activity of 25 judo contestants during judo combats and the effectiveness of actions were evaluated. Maximum muscle torques in flexors/extensors of the body trunk, shoulder, elbow, hip and knee joints were measured. The level of significance was set at p≤0.05; for multiple comparisons the Mann-Whitney U test, p≤0.016, was used. Intergroup differences in relative torques in five muscle groups studied (elbow extensors, shoulder flexors, knee flexors, knee extensors, hip flexors) were not significant. In cadets, relative maximum muscle torques in hip extensors correlated with the activity index (Spearman's r=0.756). In juniors, maximum relative torques in elbow flexors and knee flexors correlated with the activity index (r=0.73 and r=0.76, respectively). The effectiveness of actions correlated with relative maximum torque in elbow extensors (r=0.67). In seniors, the relative maximum muscle torque in shoulder flexors correlated with the activity index during the second part of the combat (r=0.821).
Acute Effects of Different Stretching Techniques on the Number of Repetitions in A Single Lower Body Resistance Training Session
Authors: Sá Marcos A. , Neto Gabriel R. , Costa Pablo B. , Gomes Thiago M. , Bentes Cláudio M. , Brown Amanda F. , Novaes Jefferson S.
Published: May 2015

This study aimed to investigate the acute effects of passive static and ballistic stretching on maximal repetition performance during a resistance training session (RTS). Nine male subjects underwent three experimental conditions: ballistic stretching (BS); passive static stretching (PSS); and a specific warm-up (SW). The RTS was composed of three sets of 12RM for the following exercises: leg press 45 (LP), leg extension (LE), leg curl (LC), and plantar flexors (PF). Performance of six sessions was assessed 48 hours apart. The first visit consisted of a familiarization session including stretching methods and exercises used in the RTS. On the second and third visit, a strength test and retest were performed. During the fourth to the sixth visit, the volunteers randomly performed the following protocols: BS+RTS; PSS+RTS; or SW+RTS. For the sum of the RM number of each three-set exercise, significant differences were found between PSS vs. SW for the LP (p = 0.001); LE (p = 0.005); MF (p = 0.001); and PF (p = 0.038). For the comparison between the methods of stretching PSS vs. BS, significant differences were found only for the FP (p = 0.019). When analyzing the method of stretching BS vs. SW, significant differences were found for the LP (p = 0.014) and MF (p = 0.002). For the total sum of the RM number of three sets of the four exercises that composed the RTS, significant differences were observed (p < 0.05) in the following comparisons: PPS vs. SW (p = 0.001), PPS vs. BS (p = 0.008), and BS vs. SW (p = 0.002). Accordingly, the methods of passive static and ballistic stretching should not be recommended before a RTS.
Pronouns and identity: A case study from a 1930s working-class community
Authors: Timmis Ivor
Published: May 2015

This article investigates the relationship between certain pronoun uses and identity in a 1930s working class community. It is based on a corpus of informal conversations drawn from the Mass-Observation archive, a sociological and anthropological study of the Bolton (UK) working class at this time. The article argues that certain pronoun uses in the corpus can only be explained as homophoric reference, a kind of reference which depends on implicit agreement about the intended referent of the pronoun. The article then discusses the basis on which this implicit agreement could operate: shared culture and knowledge and a tight network of social relations. In the conclusion, two particular questions are raised: 1) How far can the homophoric reference described be related to social class? 2) When does (dialect) grammar become pragmatics?
The Evolution of Devices and Systems Supporting Rehabilitation of Lower Limbs
Authors: Olinski M. , Lewandowski B. , Gronowicz A.
Published: May 2015

This paper presents the process of development, as well as examples of devices and systems supporting rehabilitation of the human lower extremities, developed independently over the years in many parts of the world. Particular emphasis was placed on indicating, which major groups of devices supporting kinesitherapy of the lower limbs can be distinguished, what are the important advantages and disadvantages of particular types of solutions, as well as what directions currently dominating in development of rehabilitation systems may be specified. A deeper analysis and comparison of several selected systems was also conducted, resulting in gathering the outcomes in two tables. They focused on a few features of mechanical design, especially the devices’ kinematic structures, and devices’ additional functions associated with, among others, interaction, as well as diagnosis of the limb's state and the progress of rehabilitation.
Competitiveness, Emu and Cohesion Experiences in the Past (2000–2013); Assessment of the Present (2014–2020) and Lessons for the Future (2020 and Beyond)
Authors: Molle Willem
Published: May 2015

The European Union has adopted several strategies to cope with a set of inter-related problems. The best known is the Europe 2020 strategy with its focus on smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Another is fostering balanced macro growth via a strengthening of the EMU. Finally the cohesion policy has to cope with spatial unbalances. The objective of this paper is to highlight the main issues in three policy fields: competitiveness, EMU and cohesion.1 Two scenarios for post 2020 development are described, which show the need for further strengthening of EU policies and of the quality of government at all levels.
Kinetic model of water vapour adsorption by gluten-free starch
Authors: Ocieczek Aneta , Kostek Robert , Ruszkowska Millena
Published: May 2015

This study evaluated the kinetics of water vapour adsorption on the surface of starch molecules derived from wheat. The aim of the study was to determine an equation that would allow estimation of water content in tested material in any timepoint of the adsorption process aimed at settling a balance with the environment. An adsorption isotherm of water vapour on starch granules was drawn. The parameters of the Guggenheim, Anderson, and De Boer equation were determined by characterizing the tested product and adsorption process. The equation of kinetics of water vapour adsorption on the surface of starch was determined based on the Guggenheim, Anderson, and De Boer model describing the state of equilibrium and on the model of a first-order linear inert element describing the changes in water content over time.
Medical Visualizer 3D: Hardware Controller for Dmd Module
Authors: Koryciak Sebastian , Barszczowski Maciej , Dąbrowska-Boruch Agnieszka , Wiatr Kazimierz
Published: May 2015

In this paper an implementation of the module responsible for the control of micro-mirror array for later use in projection is described. Existing technologies allow for projections of medical images in Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine format only in the form of a flat 2D image. The 3D Visualizer will allow to display medical images in three dimensions using its own projection surface. The matrix controlling device has been largely developed on the basis of reverse engineering studies carried out on the functional system based on a driver from Texas Instruments. Driver is built on the FPGA with implemented soft processor from Xilinx - MicroBlaze.
Foreground Object Segmentation in Dynamic Background Scenarios
Authors: Kryjak Tomasz
Published: May 2015

In the paper research on foreground object segmentation in dynamic background scenarios (i.e. flowing water, moving leaves or shrubs) is described. The effectiveness of different algorithms: based on FIFO sample buffer, singlevariant, multi-variant (MOG, Clustering) and recently proposed ViBE and PBAS is evaluated. A post-processing method, that allows false detections reduction is also proposed. The solution was tested on sequences from the changedetection.net dataset. The obtained results indicate usefulness of the proposed approach.
Image Analysis-Based Estimation of Metallic and Pearl Add-Ons Concentrations in Automotive Paints
Authors: Ślot Krzysztof , Strzecha Krzysztof , Nowak Grzegorz
Published: May 2015

The paper reports results of preliminary research on automotive paint dopant concentration assessment based on microscopic image segmentation. The considered task is illconditioned due to the richness and diversity in contents of images to be analyzed. The proposed procedure involves two main phases: image segmentation, where focal-plane paint addons are extracted from the background, and object analysis and classification. The results of experimental verification of the proposed method on a set of eighteen paint pigmented images (black and yellow) show that the estimation can be done with approximately 5% accuracy for paints doped with only single addon type. For add-on mixtures, the results were strongly dependent on pigment color and mutual add-on proportions.
The Visual Analogue Scale. An Alternative to the Likert Type Response Scales. An Alternative to the Likert Type Response Scales
Authors: Duşa Adrian , Frunzaru Valeriu
Published: May 2015

For about eight decades, research instruments in the social sciences have been orbiting around Likert’s proposal for his famous response scale. Before him, and also after he managed to impose it, many researchers have tried to find a better solution. This, however, has proven difficult. While solving methodological problems for measuring concepts, by concentrating all the responses in only five categories brings major disadvantages as well: it has extremely low variation, it does not produce metric scores unless combined with similar items, and it cannot be used as such for advanced statistical analysis. In this article, we propose using a continuous response scale as a solution to each of these problems. In our opinion, the possible application of this solution has an extremely high potential to advance social science research methodology.
Orange or Pink? Colours, Houses and Modernity in Rural Romania
Authors: Iancău Monica
Published: May 2015

The saturated flashy colors used in exterior paintings of houses in the Romanian rural environment represent a discussion topic for on-lookers, whether they are local inhabitants, tourists or specialists interested in urban planning. The same colors are perceived differently and express different significances, denoting more than mere chromatic nuances. What are these significances and what role do they play in inter-human relationships? I have tried to answer this question by analyzing the interviews gathered in the summers of 2008 and 2009 in two touristic areas, Gheţari Plateau (Apuseni Mountains) and Apuseni Mountains (Bukovina). The results point to identity-defining elements shown by the owners of these houses in terms of aspirations towards modernity and the spectacular. They wish to escape the label of ‘provincial’ and to be connected to the ‘global world’. Alternatively, many tourists are disappointed by the widespread usage of these colors in almost all the regions of the country and consider that as a process of homogenization, which erases local specific traits that one would expect to see in these areas.
Optimized And Numerical Models Of Electromechanical Devices Coupled With Computation Of Performance Characteristics
Authors: Sarac Vasilija , Atanasova-Pacemska Tatjana , Minovski Dragan , Cogelja Goran , Smitková Miroslava , Schulze Christian
Published: May 2015

The method of genetic algorithms is used to optimize the efficiency factor of two objects: single a phase shaded pole motor and the main inductor for an LCL filter, aimed for independent operation. By varying the construction parameters, three motors and two inductor models have been designed and optimized. The optimized motors exhibited a gradual increase of the efficiency factor achieved for the same input power. Also an increased output power has been achieved, which considerably improved the low efficiency factor for this type of the motor. The optimized filter models have an increased efficiency due to the lower losses and a decreased warm-up. All models are evaluated by the finite element method, which allows to plot the magnetic flux density distribution in the cross section and hereby the possible weak parts of the construction with a high flux density can be discovered.
State Intervention During Public Health Emergencies: Is the United States Prepared for an Ebola Outbreak?
Authors: Maras Marie-Helen , Miranda Michelle D.
Published: May 2015

In the fall of 2014, the US was faced with the reality that a deadly, foreign virus had entered its borders. Ebola, a disease thought to be of little threat to the US yet classified as a major bioterrorism agent, became a reality for the American government and its citizens. The introduction of Ebola unveiled many deficiencies in the country’s health care system, international travel policies, and ability to control or restrict the movement of exposed individuals in order to protect the larger population. The need to review and establish legal guidelines and policies to deal with these deficiencies is paramount: the inherent lack of training and education; weaknesses in monitoring, maintenance, and treatment; and the lack of uniform guidelines to isolate international travelers have all demonstrated that the country may not be able to control a larger-scale threat in the future.
On the Modulation of Oscillation in Thermohaline Convection Problems Using Temperature Dependent Viscosity
Authors: Singh Dhiman Joginder , Kumar Vijay
Published: May 2015

The present paper mathematically investigates the effect of temperature dependent viscosity on the onset of instability in thermohaline convection problems of Veronis and Stern type configurations, using linear stability theory. A sufficient condition for the stability of oscillatory modes for thermohaline configuration is derived. When the compliment of this sufficient condition is true, the oscillatory motions of neutral or growing amplitude may exist, and hence the bounds for the complex growth rate of these neutral or unstable modes are derived, when viscosity of the fluid is an arbitrary function of temperature. Some general conclusions for the cases of linear and exponential variations of viscosity are worked out. The present analysis thus shows that the oscillations in thermohaline convection problems can be modulated or arrested by considering the temperature dependent viscosity of the fluid.