bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing Electricity Load and Cost for Demand Side Management in Smart Grid
Authors: Afzaal Ayesha , Nazir Mohsin
Published: September 2018

This paper proposes a mechanism for OELC (Optimizing Electricity Load and Cost) for smart grid. The load of every smart home is predicted one-hour prior to their actual usage. To fulfill PL (Predicted Load) of each consumer, multiple resources of electricity are considered, including RE (Renewable Energy) resources. Furthermore, cost to get PL from multiple resources is calculated. In proposed model 3-4 smart homes are grouped in the form of clusters. To reduce the amount of electricity bills, system also allows privileges to share electricity between adjacent smart homes within a cluster. To validate the OELC mechanism, extensive numerical simulations are conducted which shows a significant reduction in electricity load and cost for electricity consumers. In future, to enhance the functionality of OELC, security from cyber-attacks can be considered
Energy and Exergy Analysis of a Coal Fired Power Plant
Authors: Kumar Sumit , Kumar Dileep , Memon Rizwan Ahmed , Wassan Majid Ali , Mir Sikandar Ali
Published: September 2018

In this paper, energy and exergy analysis has been conducted on a subcritical coal fired power plant of Wisconsin Power and Light Company, USA to investigate the steam cycle energy and exergy efficiency. The cycle is analyzed by developing a mathematical model using its operating and design parameters. The analysis is performed using EES (Engineering Equation Solver). The energy analysis shows that major share of energy loss occurs in condenser i.e. 72% of total cycle energy loss, whereas, exergy analysis shows that 83.09% total exergy destruction of cycle occurs in boiler.Furthermore, the simulation results are compared with actual with an absolute error of 3.1%. Additionally, the parametric study is performed to examine the effects of various operating parameters such as main steam pressure and temperature, condenser pressure, terminal and drain cooler temperature difference on net power output, energy andexergy efficiency of cycle. The parametric study shows that the plant has maximum energy and exergy efficiencies at steam pressure of 2500psi, condenser pressure of 1.0psi and main steam temperature of 1100oF. Furthermore, these parameters do not seem to change energy and exergy efficiencies significantly.
Effects of Cu and Zn Coated Urea on Eh, pH and Solubility of Cu and Zn in Rice Soils
Authors: Babar Saima Kalsum , Talpur Naheed Akhtar , Khooharo Aijaz Ali
Published: September 2018

The concentration of Cu (Copper) and Zn (Zinc) decreases upon flooded conditions of rice soil. To assess the effects of flooding and application of Cu and Zn coated urea on changes in Eh, pH and solubility of Cu and Zn, a glasshouse experiment was conducted at Universiti Putra Malaysia. Rice plants (30 days old seedlings of type MR-219) on two soils (riverine and alluvium and marine alluvium) were transplanted. Nine treatments with variable rates and combinations of Cu and Zn coated urea were applied. The sources of fertilizers were copper sulfate and zinc sulfate. Eh values decreased with flooding time in both soils. The changes of Eh values were more negative in control treatments and stabilized after 3 weeks of submergence. The Eh variation was not observed affectively in the treated soils however, soil pH increased with flooding time. During the 3rd week of submergence, pH was neutral (pH 7.0). In both soils, Cu and Zn treated soil showed lower Eh and higher pH values as compared to untreated soil. Concentration of Cu and Zn in soil solution decreased with flooding. The higher Cu and Zn contents in soil were recorded in treated soils. Reduced solubility of Cu and Zn in control soils was related to larger changes in Eh and pH values. Mean comparison with Tukey’s HSD (Honest Significant Difference) test showed that Cu and Zn solubility decreased with decreased Eh and increased pH in the soil solution (p < 0.05%).
Encapsulation of bioactive compounds derived from fruit processing by-products
Authors: Salevic Ana , Kalusevic Ana , Levic Steva , Nedovic Viktor
Published: October 2018

An increased environmental awareness has led to new trends in food industry,
which are reflected in intensive studies on exploitation of fruit processing
byproducts. Additionally, consumers? tendency to a healthy lifestyle has
initiated the development of diverse functional food products. High amounts
of by-products, such as peels, seeds, and stones, are discarded during fruit
processing. It represents a problem both from the environmental and the
economic point of view. On the other hand, the resulting residues are
potential sources of numerous bioactive compounds. Therefore, fruit
processing by-products such as substrates for the extraction of phenolic
compounds, natural pigments, dietary fibers, protein isolates and oils
attract great interest. These extracts have a great potential for the
development of dietary supplements and new functional food products with
beneficial health effects. However, bioactive compounds are susceptible to
degradation, which represents a critical factor for their successful
incorporation into food products. In this regard, the main challenge is to
ensure the stability of bioactive compounds during processing, storage and
in the gastrointestinal tract, i.e. to preserve their bioactivity and
bioavailability. This challenge could be accomplished by the use of
encapsulation. Namely, the formation of a physical barrier between an active
compound and its surrounding is an effective way of protection. The present
paper indicates the potential of by-products originating from the processing
of apples, grapes, plums, raspberries and sour cherries as sources of
bioactive compounds. It also points out the benefits that could be achieved
by the encapsulation of bioactive compounds extracted from fruit processing
by-products in order to develop new functional food products.
Economic impact and determinants of adoption of improved maize production technologies
Authors: Obayelu Abiodun , Ajayi Damilola
Published: October 2018

The problem of what production technologies to adopt, and the degree to which
farm operations should be improved for attainment of optimum economic benefit
have remained undetermined. This study analysed the economics and
determinants of adoption of the improved maize (Zea mays) production
technology package in Oyo State of Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure
was employed to select one hundred and twenty maize producing farmers for the
study in 2016. Data for the study were collected using a structured
questionnaire and analysed with descriptive statistics and adoption index,
regression analysis and the standard enterprise budgetary analysis. Results
from the regression analysis showed that variables such as sex, farming
experience, years of education, extension visits, and level of awareness of
the technologies had a significant and positive influence on the adoption of
improved maize technologies in the study area. Findings from the budgetary
analysis revealed that improved maize production technology adopters made
N438,367.23 compared to N374,426.44 profits per hectare of maize produced by
the non-adopters during the year of survey. The results further revealed that
on every naira invested in maize production, the adopters were able to make
N7.64 in return compared to N6.00 returns by the non-adopters. There is the
need for an increase in awareness of maize production technologies among the
farmers, through the extension agents and social networks in order to
increase the level of adoption of maize technologies.
Cephalometric comparison of adult anterior open bite treatment using clear aligners and fixed appliances
Authors: Garnett Bella Shen , Mahood Kimberly , Nguyen Mai , Al-Khateeb Aliaa , Liu Siqi , Boyd Robert , Oh Heesoo
Published: October 2018

Objectives:

To compare fixed appliances and clear aligner therapy in correcting anterior open bite and in controlling the vertical dimension in adult patients with hyperdivergent skeletal patterns.

Materials and Methods:

In this retrospective study, two treatment groups of adult (≥18 years old) hyperdivergent patients (mandibular plane angles of ≥38°) with anterior open bites were included: 17 fixed appliance patients and 36 clear aligner patients. Thirteen cephalometric measurements representing the vertical dimension were reported for each group. A two-sample t-test was used to assess differences in changes in mandibular plane angle and overbite between the two treatment groups.

Results:

There were no statistical differences found in the magnitude of overbite correction and the changes in any of the cephalometric measurements for vertical control. The clear aligner group showed a slightly greater amount of lower incisor extrusion (P = .009). The main mechanism of open bite correction was similar between the two treatment groups and was accomplished through retroclination of the upper and lower incisors while maintaining the vertical position of the upper and lower molars.

Conclusions:

Cephalometric comparison of anterior open bite correction and changes in the mandibular plane angle associated with use of clear aligners and fixed appliances did not demonstrate statistically significant differences in adult hyperdivergent patients.
Coal Mining Institution in Private Forest
Authors: Buli Willyam , Bakri Samsul , Febryano Indra Gumay
Published: October 2018

Unlicensed Mining (PETI) conducted by community groups in private forest area is rife in Muara Enim district which causing environmental degradation. The purpose of this study is to find out the institutional forms associated with illegal coal mining activities. The study used a qualitative approach that illustrated how unlicensed mining (PETI) still able to operate despite violating the law. The result of this study indicates the existing formal institutions did not run so well which lead to the creation of non-formal institutions who permits illegal activities. There are few technical requirements that PETI could not provide if they were legalized to be public mining. Good coordination and teamwork between government and law enforcers along with mining corporation are desirable to control the development of PETI and the impact it brings, especially in private forest.Keywords: private forest, institution, environmental damage, unlicensed mining, coal mining
MODIFIKASI MESIN PENIRIS MINYAK DAN KELAYAKAN FINANSIAL PRODUKSI KERIPIK BAYAM
Authors: Thoriq Ahmad , Herwanto Totok , Ciptaningtyas Drupadi
Published: October 2018

Spinach chips is one of the snack products with the main ingredients of fried spinach using flour. The quality of spinach chips is influenced by the amount of oil contained in spinach chips. The use of spinner machine is proven to reduce or eliminate the oil content quickly and improve the quality of the product but the spinner machine available on the market can not be used to drain the oil contained in spinach chips because the rotational speed in the setting of more than 400 rpm can cause damage to spinach chips . This study aims to modify the spinner by lowering the speed of rotation and do the financial feasibility analysis of spinach chips production. The method used in this research is through the approach of engineering design and financial feasibility. The design approach consists of problems identification, formulation of modification concept, functional and performance test while some parameters calculated in financial feasibility analysis are: cost of production (HPP), net present value (NPV), benefit cost ratio (BCR), internal rate of return (IRR), and payback period (PBP). The results showed a decrease in rotational speed from 532.50 rpm to 258.18 rpm was proven to be able to remove the oil content on spinach chips and avoid the damage of spinach chips from 50% to no broken spinach chips. At production capacity of spinach chips 150 kg / month obtained cost of production amounted to Rp. 43,087 / kg. When spinach chips sold at market price Rp.50,000 / kg obtained NPV of Rp. 15,088,782/ month, BCR of 1.10, IRR of 12% and capital will return in the eigth month.
PENENTUAN NILAI PARAMETER KINETIKA ORDE SATU PADA SINTESIS BIODIESEL DARI MINYAK JELANTAH
Authors: Gita Amieria Citra , Haryanto Agus , Saputra Tri Wahyu , Telaumbanua Mareli
Published: October 2018

Biodiesel merupakan alternatif pengganti bahan bakar solar yang dapat dibuat dari minyak jelantah.  Pembuatan biodiesel dapat dilakukan dengan metode transesterifikasi yaitu mereaksikan antara minyak jelantah dan metanol sehingga menghasilkan metil ester dan gliserol dengan bantuan katalis basa. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengetahui pengaruh suhu dan waktu reaksi dalam pembuatan biodiesel dan menentukan nilai parameter kinetika orde satu pada sintesis biodiesel dari minyak jelantah untuk memprediksi hasil reaksi.  Penelitian ini menggunakan  rasio molar 1:6 dengan waktu reaksi sebesar 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 6 dan 10 menit dan suhu reaksi sebesar 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, dan 55 °C.  Bahan yang digunakan meliputi minyak jelantah, metanol dan NaOH dengan parameter penelitian meliputi rendemen, massa jenis dan viskositas.  Kinetika reaksi merupakan reaksi orde satu dari fungsi suhu dan konsentrasi non biodiesel untuk memperoleh konstanta laju reaksi dan energi aktivasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan rendemen biodiesel tertinggi terdapat pada suhu 55 °C dan waktu reaksi 10 menit. Biodiesel yang dihasilkan memiliki massa jenis antara 0,863-0,885 gram/ml (sesuai SNI), dan viskositas 2,825-5,277 cSt (sesuai SNI). Nilai konstanta laju reaksi (k) pada suhu suhu 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 dan 55 °C sebesar 9,8×10-4 s-1, 10,8×10-4 s-1, 11,67×10-4 s-1, 14×10-4 s-1, 14,83×10-4 s-1,  dan 21,67×10-4 s-1. Nilai energi aktivasi (Ea) reaksi yang dihasilkan sebesar 23,83 kJ/mol. Kata Kunci:   Biodiesel; Minyak Jelantah; Transesterifikasi Basa; Kinetika Reaksi
UNJUK KERJA MESIN PEMOTONG PADI (PADDY MOWER) SAAT PEMANENAN PADI (Oryza sativa L.) DI LAHAN BASAH
Authors: Anisa Siti , Suharyatun Siti , Oktafri Oktafri , Asmara Sandi
Published: October 2018

Pemanenan padi secara tradisional memerlukan banyak tenaga pemanen.  Penggunaan alat pemanen tradisional juga menjadi salah satu penyebab kehilangan hasil panen yang cukup tinggi.  Penggunaan alat mesin pemanen padi dapat dilakukan untuk memecahkan permasalahan tersebut.  Salah satu alternatif mesin yang dapat digunakan untuk memanen padi di lahan yang sempit/bergelombang adalah mesin pemotong padi (paddy mower).  Tujuan dari penelitian ini untuk mengetahui kapasitas kerja mesin, kebutuhan bahan bakar,  tingkat kehilangan padi (losses), serta analisis ekonomi penggunaan mesin pemotong padi tipe GLX 328-RH untuk pemanenan. Penelitian ini terdiri dari tiga tahapan utama, yaitu persiapan mesin dan lahan sawah di pekon Talang Padang, Kabupaten Tanggamus, pengujian performansi mesin dan analisis data.  Parameter yang diamati adalah kapasitas kerja mesin, persentase kehilangan gabah, dan konsumsi bahan bakar. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa kapasitas kerja mesinpaddy mower dengan kecepatan pemotongan RPM 3863 (0,015 ha/jam) dan RPM 5000 (0,029 ha/jam) lebih tinggi dibandingkan dengan sabit (0,011 ha/jam).  Meningkatnya kecepatan pemotongan cenderung menurunkan losses gabah.  Losses pada RPM 1824 = 1,44%, RPM 3863 = 1,12 % dan RPM 5000 = 0,66%.  Konsumsi bahan bakar yang dibutuhkan pada RPM 1824 = 95,83 l/ha, RPM 3863 = 56,83 l/ha dan RPM 5000 = 42,83 l/ha.  Nilai Break Event Point (BEP) penggunaan mesin paddy mower sebesar 2,27 ha/thn.  NPV mesin paddy mower sebesar Rp. 2.881.194,18/thn, B/C Ratio mesin paddy mower sebesar 1,10, dan IRR mesin paddy mower sebesar 83,98%.Kata Kunci:Padi, Mower, Unjuk Kerja Mesin, Losses, Kapasitas Kerja
EFL students’ perception on flipped learning in writing class
Authors: Fauzan Akhmad , Ngabut Maria Novary
Published: October 2018

This research aims at finding out EFL students’ perceptions on the implementation of Flipped Learning in writing class. Survey research was applied with one-shot design and questionnaire was used to collect data. The setting of this research is at one university in Central Kalimantan Province in Indonesia where English is a foreign language. The students were in their fourth semester learning writing skill. In order to avoid teacher-centered learning which may cause a boring and monotonous classroom, this research implemented Flipped Learning that could change the way students learn. The approach was done during one semester and the questionnaires were then handed out at the end of the semester. After the questionnaires were collected and analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively, the result of this research shows that students had positive perceptions on the implementation of Flipped Learning in Writing 3 class.
Predictors for interest to change from conventional to organic horticultural production
Authors: Mattila Tiina E. A. , Heikkinen Juha M. , Koivisto Anu M. , Rautiainen Risto H.
Published: September 2018

This study addressed factors influencing farmers’ decisions to switch from conventional to organic farming with special focus on outdoor horticulture production. A total of 343 horticulture producers responded to a survey conducted in 2014. The results indicate 12.1% of the farmers with conventional horticulture production were interested in converting to organic. Small farm size, horticulture being only a minor part of the enterprise, intermediate estimated yields, greater intent to grow new crops, hiring labor, having other income sources in addition to agriculture and participating in training courses emerged as significant predictors for the intention to switch to organic production in multivariable regression modeling. These results suggest potential to increase organic production could be found particularly among smaller part-time enterprises actively seeking new crops and knowledge.
Ion beam irradiation mutagenesis in rye (Secale cereale L.), linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) and faba bean (Vicia faba L.)
Authors: Khazaei Hamid , Mäkelä Pirjo S.A. , Stoddard Frederick L.
Published: September 2018

Ion beam irradiation is a potential tool for inducing novel mutations in plants. We chose three crop species (rye, linseed, and faba bean) to determine the potential of nitrogen ion beam irradiation for inducing mutations. We tested ion beam irradiation with nitrogen ions at six different fluencies (5×105, 1×106, 5×106, 1×107, 5×107, and 1×108 N-ion cm-2) on dry grains. The three studied crop species had different sensitivities to the irradiation. Increased doses of ion irradiation had more effect on survival than on germination. Rye seedlings had the lowest survival rate at high doses of irradiation and significantly higher off-type plant phenotypes than the other two species. In M1 seedlings, stunted growth, failure to complete the plant life cycle and chlorophyll mutants were observed in all three species. Terminal-inflorescence mutations and sectional chimeras in faba bean were observed in the M2 generation. We conclude that ion beam irradiation is an effective tool for mutation breeding of diverse crop species when the appropriate dose is defined.
THE FLUVIAL SYSTEM ON THE EAST EUROPEAN PLAIN: SEDIMENT SOURCE AND SINk
Authors: Sidorchuk A. Yu.
Published: September 2018

The modern fluvial system on the lowland East European Plain is of depositional type. Sediment transport to the seas is only a few percent of the total erosion, and the main part of eroded material is accumulated in the channels. The recent deposition of suspended sediments is caused by accelerated soil erosion on the arable slopes, which led to a high rate of lateral sediment input and deposition at the river headwaters and on the floodplains. The process of accumulation is facilitated by the unfilled “negative” volume of the net of dry valleys formed during the Late Glacial catastrophic erosion event. Such events of catastrophic erosion of the sediments deposited in the lowland fluvial systems occur with a frequency of 100-120 thousand years. In the conditions of both scarce vegetation and extremal surface runoff, the entire fluvial systems become the area of intensive erosion, with the deep incision of gullies and of the river channels. Therefore, despite the modern intensive deposition, delivery ratio for the fluvial systems on this lowland territory is close to one in the long-term perspective.
SOLAR ENERGY PRODUCTION: SPECIfICS Of ITS TERRITORIAL STRUCTURE AND MODERN GEOGRAPHICAL TRENDS
Authors: Akimova V. V.
Published: September 2018

The study deals with the socio-economic geographical analysis of the solar energy production — one of the most rapidly developing industries of the world energy complex. The aim of the study is to identify and explain main features of the territorial structure of solar energy production and assess its role and place in the world. The paper also investigates the factors that affect the development of solar energy production itself as well as the deployment of individual solar panels or solar power stations. The study carried out is based on the review of datasets and official documents which enable to draw a conclusion that the result of an intensive development of solar energy production is its dynamic spatial expansion visible in the emergence of new poles of growth which largely changes the territorial structure of the industry, transforming it from a monocentric to polycentric.
CHARACTERISTICS AND QUALITY Of SOILS UNDER SELECTED FARMING PRACTICES IN SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA
Authors: Oluwole Eludoyin Adebayo , Adelere Yetunde Mary , Awotoye Olusegun Olufemi
Published: September 2018

This study compared soil properties and quality under five different farm practices in a part of the southwest Nigeria. The study indicated that fewer soil properties accounted for more percentage change in total variance at the fallow and mono-cropping plots than at the forest, crop rotation and alley farming systems. It also showed that soils under fallow and mono-cropping systems exhibited the lowest quality values among the farm practices system studied. The study recommends improved soil management approaches in plots under mono-cropping practices, and extensive soil recovery programmes for fallow lands.
MIDDLE PLEISTOCENE SMALL MAMMAL fAUNAS Of EUROPE: EVOLUTION, BIOSTRATIGRAPHY, CORRELATIONS
Authors: Markova A. K. , Puzachenko A. Yu.
Published: September 2018

The paper is concerned with the small mammal fauna evolution in Europe in the Middle Pleistocene. The information on the faunas of the end of the Early Pleistocene has been also taken into consideration. The data available made possible identifying several stages in the small mammal evolution. Not all intervals within the Middle Pleistocene are provided with sufficient information for recognizing individual stages; that is particularly true for the cold periods of the Middle Pleistocene – the Donian and the Okian glaciations (=Elsterian, =Anglian). Based on the studies of small mammal localities, the biostratigraphic scheme has been developed, the principal phylogenetic lineages of Arvicolinae were traced, and maps of the Middle Pleistocene small mammal localities have been compiled
DETECTION Of ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION SOURCES BY USING CROSS-PLUME SCANNING METHOD AND MOBILE RAILwAY LABORATORY
Authors: Safronov A. N. , Elansky N. F. , Skorokhod A. I.
Published: September 2018

In this study the power of the sulfur dioxide emissions from the Mid-Urals copper-smelting enterprise (MUCE) was estimated by using plume cross-scanning. The combination of the observational data obtained by the TROICA experiments and information obtained by satellite photos of the Earth’s surface together with the ISCST3 dispersion model is promising for studies of the short-range atmospheric transport of chemically inactive pollutants. The results of ISCT3 model simulations indicate that the SO2 emissions in terms of sulfur make up about 3–4% of the plant sulfuric acid production. Also the cross validation between ISCST3 and NOAA HYSPLIT dispersion models was carried out. The emission rate obtained at the NOAA HYSPLIT model simulation is 1.5 times higher than the emission rate calculated at the ISCST3 simulation. It was emphasized, that the using of mobile platforms on electric traction has advantages in studying the environmental situation in comparison with the measurement system, constructed on the stationary Environmental Protection Stations. The cross-plume scanning method to a lesser degree depends on the wind rose, the features of the landscape and a relative location of emission sources and sensors.
The multivariate techniques in evaluation of unemployment analysis of Polish regions
Authors: Tatarczak Anna , Boichuk Oleksandra
Published: September 2018

Research background: The labour market situation is considered to be the most widely discussed part of economic development. However, it should be noted that the unemployment situation of young people (aged 15?24 years) in Poland in general terms seems to be problematic. Overall, the unemployment rate among young people in Poland is significantly higher than the overall unemployment rate in the EU.  Moreover, the situation varies greatly across the regions.

Purpose of the article: Using multivariate techniques as a theoretical framework, the main goal of the paper is to identify groups of Polish regions that share similar patterns regarding unemployment among young people. To reach this goal, first a set of labour market indicators were selected. Next, the authors compared the labour market situation of young people between the Polish regions in 2005 and in 2014. Finally, the conclusions regarding the conducted analysis are explored.

Methods: The initial calculation is based on the concept of the taxonomic measure developed by Hellwig. The final method used to create clusters of objects (across 16 voivodeships of Poland) is cluster analysis. A segmentation of the voivodeships is observed for the years 2005 and 2014, based on selected indicators to determine the labour market situation. The data was gathered from the databases of the Central Statistical Office of Poland and Eurostat.

Findings & Value added: Through the exploration of the advantages of multivariate methods, the nature of youth unemployment is revealed in more detail. Indeed, dendrogram analysis divided the voivodeships into five groups, which are characterized by similar features associated with the labour market. It was found that the groups which emerged in 2005 have a different composition of regions than in 2014; this difference seems to be connected with the economic crisis.
The small and large business interaction within national economy?s gross added value reproduction in Ukraine
Authors: Kalchenko Sergei , Trusova Natalia , Hrybova Diana , Serhii Biliaiev
Published: September 2018

Research background: The main background of this article is the thesis that sectors of small business and large business respond differently to shifts in macroeconomic conditions.

Purpose of the article: This article is devoted to empirical evidence whether there are signs of small business ability to compensate for negative trends, emerging in the sectors of large and medium-sized business in Ukraine.

Methods: The dynamics of gross value added was chosen as the main indicator of small business potential to create compensatory effect for reduction in employment, share of value added and GDP, observed in sector of large and medium-sized business. For factor analysis of actual gross added value dynamics, the authors have built a multiplicative term, which expresses the different characteristics of economic activity in small, large and medium-sized business impact on the gross added value dynamics. The authors have also evaluated the specific impact of these factors using the method of chained substitution.

Findings & Value added: The results obtained by factors analysis did not prove the thesis about small business capacity to compensate for the negative trends observed in the sector of large and medium business. The trend of economic activity in small business sector, trend of labor productivity, and trend in dynamics of added value share in small business output were causes of gross value added decreasing in the national economy during the period researched. These results can be interpreted as a sign that in case of unchanged quality indicators of economic activity in small business sector (in the first turn, the labor productivity and share of value added in output) this sector ability to compensate for negative trends in large business will be very doubtful.
The prospective low risk hedge fund capital allocation line model: evidence from the debt market
Authors: Vukovic Darko B. , Prosin Victor
Published: September 2018

Research background: Institutional investors such as: commercial banks, pension funds, and insurance companies are constantly looking for low-risk stable investment opportunities, whereas one of the solutions can be a simulated portfolio. This research takes a look at the incentive to invest in government debt portfolios, as it can outperform the returns of deposit accounts.

Purpose of the article: This study considers several classic methods of portfolio constriction and includes the basis of debt instruments that have not been a research topic for a long period of time. At the same time, this paper analyzes the classic methods of modern portfolio theory with a Sharpe ratio as an indicator of efficiency.

Methods: The constructed portfolio consists of four elements from different countries: two government obligations and two bond indexes, aiming to employ international diversification. All the data was collected for the period of 12 years in order to represent the consequences of accrued recessions.

Findings & Value added: The past two severe financial crises created a higher demand for stable investments, and more investors are ready to compromise a higher return for it. There-fore, the results of this paper represent a simulation of low-risk hedge fund portfolio construction with the use of highly rated debt instruments.
Agile approach in a transforming organization, a descriptive study of chosen Polish companies with rapid revenue growth
Authors: Idzikowski Wojciech , Perechuda Igor
Published: September 2018

Research background: Recent decades may undoubtedly be deemed as a period of exceptional transformation on a global scale. One element of this transformation is the reorganisation of traditional ways of business management (on all ontological levels). As a result, agile approach is increasingly often considered one of the key aspects of building the competitive advantage of a company. In this paper, agile approach is understood as the businesses' capability of responding promptly to market needs.

Purpose of the article: The aim of this paper is to present the research results on the use of agile approach in chosen organizations. More specifically, the main purpose of this article is to describe how organizations are transformed with use of the agile approach.

Methods: In accordance with the goal of the article, the organizations selected for empirical research are characterized by revenue increase levels of over 100% (such organizations undergo a dynamic transformation caused by growth), and employment ranging from 10 to 50 employees. The studied companies operate mainly in the IT industry and use technologies to organize the processes of identification and tracking of customer behaviour to a large extent. Several research methods were used in this paper: literature studies, expert interview, participant observation, and Spearman?s rank correlation coefficient.

Findings & Value added: The article describes the usage level of the agile (and linear) approach in the organizational transformation (through the dynamic growth of revenues), and presents the agile approach model, which can be used as an accelerator of the business? development. In addition, the authors undertook the first (limited and unrepresentative) attempt to evaluate the use of agile approach in the context of such indicators as: communication with customers, profit increase, and minimization of the risk related to introducing a new product on the market.
Employee loyalty to the organization in the context of the form of employment
Authors: Kot-Radojewska Magdalena , Timenko Iryna V.
Published: September 2018

Research background: Organizations that function in the contemporary, competitive economy attribute the increased importance to employee loyalty, which translates, to a large extent, into commitment to work. A loyal employee, strongly associated with the organization, is its valuable asset. On the other hand, in the dynamically changing reality, organizations more often use the alternative, flexible forms of employment, which are not only a response to the needs of the organization, but also employees themselves.

Purpose of the article: The purpose of the paper is to examine the relationship between employee loyalty to the employer and the form of employment.

Methods: The paper presents the results of research conducted by means of a diagnostic survey with the use of a questionnaire among 569 employees of manufacturing and service enterprises operating on the Polish market. Empirical data were collected from December 2015 to January 2016. The research process was based on the grounded theory and statistical analyses were conducted by means of the SPSS, assuming the level of significance at 0.05. In order to compare people with the different forms of employment, the Kruskal-Wallis test was used.

Findings & Value added: The research results indicated that there are certain relationships between the form of employment and loyalty to the employer. A majority of the respondents believed that the form of employment influences the loyalty to the employer. A majority also rated the degree of their own loyalty to the employer high. Employees working under an indefinite duration employment contract rated the impact of the current form of employment on loyalty to the employer higher than people that have a fixed-term employment contract. The people who have an indefinite duration employment contract rated the degree of their own loyalty to the employer higher than people that have a fixed-term employment contract.
Responsibilities and competencies in personnel management at Czech schools
Authors: Šafránková Jana Marie , Šikýř Martin
Published: September 2018

Research background: The fundamental conclusions about the relationship be-tween personnel management and organizational performance can be also applied to personnel management in primary and secondary schools,  which play an important role in the society. There is no doubt that headmasters, deputy headmasters and other school managers who want to achieve excellent performance of their schools, must pay special attention to management of all employees (including teaching and non-teaching staff) because their abilities, motivation and performance determine the desired results of schools.

Purpose of the article: The purpose of the article is to define particular categories of man-agers in Czech primary and secondary schools and specify their responsibilities and competencies in personnel management in order to propose an optimal organization of personnel management at Czech schools.

Methods: Achieving the purpose of the article is based on the analysis of available scientific literature and the results of the authors' questionnaire survey on the organization of personnel management at Czech primary and secondary schools. The survey was conducted from January to March 2017. The respondents were headmasters, deputy headmasters and other managers of Czech primary and secondary schools. The relevant data were obtained from 90 respondents. The data analysis was based on the calculation of relative frequencies and the evaluation of the dependence of responses using contingency tables and chi-square tests of independence.

Findings & Value added: The findings show that responsibilities for managing teaching and non-teaching staff at Czech schools belong not only to headmasters, but also to other managers at schools, including deputy headmasters, head teachers, heads of school clubs, heads of school canteens, educational consultants, school psychologists, treasurers, or school caretakers. Anyone who influences and directs others in the organization should be involved in personnel management and participate in various personnel management activities related to employee selection, appraisal, compensation or training. The significant competencies of headmasters and other managers in personnel and school management include managerial competencies (the ability to manage others), personal competencies (the ability to manage yourself), or professional competencies (the ability to manage the school).
Analysis of Ayyanarthu Wind Farm with and without Battery Energy Storage System
Authors: R Priyanka , A Suresh , R Dhanasekaran
Published: September 2018

This paper deals with the battery energy storage system is used in Ayyanarthu wind farm which analysing the variation in electrical parameters like voltage level, per unit value and power value should not vary even the battery energy storage system is applied in the windfarm and battery integrated with the windfarm can reduce the variability especially under the peak load conditions and also reduce the power quality problems, it can analyse through the simulation. DigSilent power factory tool software is used to design and analysis the windfarm the real data in windfarm for 24 hours. Battery energy storage system (BESS) is used to store the excess power because the wind is not constant, it will vary with time and natural climatic changes so that can store the power when the generation is high and the stored power can used when the power demand is high because now a days the population is high so the consumption of power is increasing and inject the surplus power to grid. This paper also highlights the need of storing power in order to strengthen the power and voltage levels. BESS further helps main three challenges i.e. smoothing the voltage levels, capacity firming and time shifting thus the battery energy storage system regulates the active power in a modern day grid.
Social Media Usage in Recruitment Practices in Egypt
Authors: Wahba Mohamed , Elmanadily Dalia
Published: September 2018

Nowadays, networking within online social media platforms isn't just about swapping pictures and music, or discussing the trivial details of a night out, a TV show or a sporting event. Social media is increasingly becoming the space where professional life happens. The recent option by Face book to update user profile pages to offer a 'LinkedIn style' professional view, suggests that social media, on the whole, is becoming a medium for work as well as play.( Sophia,2009)

Recruitment is a process of finding and attracting capable applicants for employment. E-recruiting is the use of internet technology to attract candidates and aid the recruitment process. This usually means using one's own company website, a third-party job site or job board, a CV database, social media or search engine marketing. Social Media recruiting (social recruiting) is the part of e-recruiting.( Palonka et al,2013)

Social media in recruitment and selection occurs when recruitment representative view social networks platforms such as: LinkedIn, Facebook in the employment selection process leading to the acceptance or rejection of job applicants.

The goal of this research is to assessing the recent status of the usage of social media networks in recruitment and selection process in Egyptian organizations as today social media networks and platforms provide great opportunities for business and job seekers to a certain extent. By applying an exploratory study on a random sampling procedure was used to select 200 firms from different types of sectors. The respondents of this study incorporated 130 business owners and human resources managers in Egypt through online survey. The results revealed that the 54 percentage of the respondents use social media to support their recruitment effort human while 31percent don't know and plan to use it .the results revealed that LinkedIn and FB are the most social media platforms used in recruitment , also the paper surveyed some obstacles and advantages for social media recruitment.
Sericin Ameliorates the Properties of Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Hydrogel Prepared by Simple Repeated Freeze-Thaw Process without the Use of Chemical Crosslinking
Authors: Aramwit Pornanong , Sereemaspun Amorpun , Yamdech Rungnapha
Published: September 2018

Hydrogel of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and sericin can be easily produced using a repeated freeze-thaw process. The effects of polymer concentration (4-8 %wt), blending ratio of PVA/sericin (100/0-50/50), and the number of freeze-thawing cycle (4, 8, and 12 cycles) on chemical and physical properties of the hydrogels obtained were studied. We here showed that higher polymer concentration, higher PVA ratio, and more cycles of freeze-thawing produced the hydrogels with high gel (crosslinked) fraction (>90), wall-like structure, and high compressive modulus (100-170 kPa). When the sericin ratio was increased, the hydrogels showed less gel fraction (60-80), more porous structure with highly interconnected pores, and better swelling ability (up to 8-9 times of its original state). The formation of the PVA/sericin hydrogels was occurred by the conformational changes of both PVA and sericin. The secondary structures of PVA and sericin turned to more stable crystalline conformation during the freeze-thawing process, as confirmed by fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic results. Furthermore, all hydrogels were not toxic to human skin keratinocytes (HaCaT) cells while the anti-oxidant activity of sericin component in hydrogels was confirmed. We concluded that the freeze-thawing process was a simple and effective technique for fabrication of PVA and sericin, which both are water-soluble, into the stable hydrogels without the use of any chemical solvents or further crosslinking. More importantly, sericin enhances the biological activities of the hydrogels, allowing the use of this hydrogel in various medical applications such as wound dressing.
Influence of Crosslinking Agent Concentration on The Microencapsulation Parameters of Collagen Hydrolysate-Walled Microcapsules
Authors: Aslan Ahmet , Ocak Bugra
Published: September 2018

Despite being a lot of discussion, a large amount of chrome tanned leather is still being tanned in the world. After tanning with chrome, chrome solid leather wastes occurred. These chrome wastes arise during mechanical processes such as trimming, shaving, buffing and splitting. These solid wastes containing trivalent chromium and may be oxidized to hexavalent chromium by the appropriate conditions in the landfill areas. Increasing environmental awareness and regulations have been making great pressure on the leather industry. Nowadays, solid leather wastes tanned with chromium are assessed by hydrolysis with the enzyme in high alkaline media and can subsequently be used for several applications. However, there is still no definitive solution to these chromed solid leather wastes. In this study, microcapsules of collagen hydrolysate cross-linked with glutaraldehyde containing Lavender essential oil were prepared by coacervation method. The influence of crosslinking agent concentration on the oil load (%), oil content (%) and encapsulation efficiency (%) of lavender oil microcapsules were investigated. As the crosslinking agent concentration increased, the oil load (%) decreased but oil content (%) and encapsulation efficiency (%) of microcapsules increased. The best result obtained by using 5 g of collagen hydrolysate, 7 ml of glutaraldehyde and 7 ml of lavender oil.
An Intelligent Forecasting Model for Rowing
Authors: Huang Yan-Zhen , Liu Jing-Wei
Published: September 2018

According to the current International Rowing Federation, the distance from the rowing competition is 2000 meters, the match time depending on the different items. The boating operation relies on the paddle hand of the boat to push the boat forward quickly with the work done by the paddle hand. As a result, boating wants to pass the endpoint at less time in a specified distance, and must increase the frequency of rowing per minute on the ship as a power paddle. Increasing the strength of each paddle allows the ship to paddle at the most force of each oar. Each oar hand puts forward the required quality requirements, that is, strength, speed, muscular endurance and rhythm. At present, many scholars have put forward many methods to study sports monitoring at home and abroad, but this sport is rarer in rowing.

Therefore, this study will present the intelligent prediction of rowing performance model to predict the performance of the contestants, including:

We use four weight methods to defuzzify: (a) dynamic weight forecasting, (b) equal weight, (c) sequential weight, and (d) trends weight.

Finally, the forecasting value is optimized by the adaptive adjustment method.

Finally, this study uses the public information provided by the International Rowing Alliance website as a training prediction model. The test results are compared with the weight-cutting and forecasting methods.
Analysis of Total Quality Management dimensions towards Market Orientation in Electric Utility Industry in Malaysia: A Structural Approach
Authors: Osman Abdullah
Published: September 2018

Total quality management (TQM) philosophy and principle targeting on the regular changes for customer satisfaction, were proposed to be used in guiding the change process in electric utility industry towards market orientation through quality improvement of TQM practices. The aim of this study to analyses the TQM dimensions of; employee relation, training, and customer focus towards market orientation of electric utility industry in Peninsular of Malaysia. Total of 127 questionnaires distributed and 80 questionnaires useable for further analysis. A structural approach using Partial Least Square was adopted to analyze this relationship. The findings showed that all studied variables influence market orientation. Future direction was proposed for further research.
Enhancing Two Standard Privacy Preserving to Improve the Security Policy in Cloud Environment
Authors: Vullikanti Vivek , G Komarasamy
Published: September 2018

Cloud computing is emerging computing model where the data owners are outsourcing their data into the cloud storage. By outsourcing the data files into the cloud, it gives many benefits to the large enterprises as well as individual users for accessing database security. In data base Storage management systems to cloud it still faces a number of fundamental and critical challenges, among which storage space and security is the top concern. We consider the problem of processing range query search over a confidential numeric attribute K in an outsourced setting of cloud computing. To ensure the correctness of user and user's data in the cloud, we propose a multilevel round random key policy third party authentication system in crypto policy standard. In addition to simplified data storage and secure data acquisition. Also, we consider processing range query search over a confidential numeric attribute with two main challenges. First, the confidentiality requires hiding the value and the relative order of the attribute in records from the cloud server. Finally, we will perform security and performance analysis which shows that the proposed scheme is highly efficient for maintaining secure data storage and acquisition.