bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Collective Cu-Cu Thermocompression Bonding Using Pillars
Authors: Carroll Robert , La Tulipe Douglas , Coolbaugh Douglas , Geer Robert
Published: March 2019

The demand for high-performance, high-functionality packages for integrated circuits continues to grow. Three-dimensional (3D) integration is strongly being pursued to meet this demand and has started to reach maturity and industrial adoption. As advanced 3D system designs progress, requiring higher 3D interconnect density with pitches of 10 μm and lower, traditional chip attachment through solder bump technology will likely face complex manufacturing and reliability challenges. Cu-Cu thermocompression bonding has been proposed as a key 3D-enabling technology and alternative to solder. One of the main issues challenging its commercialization in high-volume manufacturing is the sensitivity of Cu-Cu bond quality to prebond surface conditions. This is especially true for die bonding applications which have limited rework options once chips have been singulated. This article outlines further development and demonstration of a tack and collective bonding scheme for Cu-Cu thermocompression bonding. This approach mitigates many of the thermal and throughput issues of a chip-level Cu-Cu attachment process by performing the quick chip alignment at a low temperature and then subsequently completing all Cu bonding simultaneously. The specific use of an intermediate handle wafer between the tack and collective bonding steps allows chips to be reconstructed into a wafer form that facilitates the cleaning and surface preparation of the chips before bonding using standard wafer processing equipment. A chip-to-wafer test structure designed for Cu pillar-to-pad bonding was used as part of this demonstration and illustrates the feasibility of the application. Full transfer of chips to a receiving device wafer using the tack and collective bonding process is shown with electrical test results and selected bond-integrity metrology confirming substantial bond yield and strength.
McKay correspondence for semisimple Hopf actions on regular graded algebras. II
Authors: Chan Kenneth , Kirkman Ellen , Walton Chelsea , Zhang James J.
Published: March 2019

We continue our study of the McKay correspondence for grading preserving actions of semisimple Hopf algebras

H

on (noncommutative) Artin–Schelter regular algebras

A

. Here, we establish correspondences between module categories over

A^H

, over

A\#H

, and over End

_{A^H}(A)

. We also study homological properties of (endomorphism rings of) maximal Cohen–Macaulay modules over

A^H

.
On quantum groups associated to a pair of preregular forms
Authors: Chirvasitu Alexandru , Walton Chelsea , Wang Xingting
Published: March 2019

We define the universal quantum group

\mathcal{H}

that preserves a pair of Hopf comodule maps, whose underlying vector space maps are preregular forms defined on dual vector spaces. This generalizes the construction of Bichon and Dubois-Violette (2013), where the target of these comodule maps are the ground field. We also recover the quantum groups introduced by Dubois-Violette and Launer (1990), by Takeuchi (1990), by Artin, Schelter, and Tate (1991), and by Mrozinski (2014), via our construction. As a consequence, we obtain an explicit presentation of a universal quantum group that coacts simultaneously on a pair of N-Koszul Artin–Schelter regular algebras with arbitrary quantum determinant.
Commutator estimates on contact manifolds and applications
Authors: Gimperlein Heiko , Goffeng Magnus
Published: March 2019

This article studies sharp norm estimates for the commutator of pseudo-differential operators with multiplication operators on closed Heisenberg manifolds. In particular, we obtain a Calderón commutator estimate: If

D

is a first-order operator in the Heisenberg calculus and

f

is Lipschitz in the Carnot–Carathéodory metric, then 

[D, f]

extends to an

L^2

-bounded operator. Using interpolation, it implies sharpweak-Schatten class properties for the commutator between zeroth order operators and Hölder continuous functions. We present applications to sub-Riemannian spectral triples on Heisenberg manifolds as well as to the regularization of a functional studied by Englis–Guo–Zhang.
The democracy and economic growth nexus: do FDI and government spending matter? Evidence from the Arab world
Authors: Bougharriou Nouha , Benayed Walid , Gabsi Foued Badr
Published: March 2019

The purpose of the paper is to examine the direct and indirect links between democracy and economic growth. To do so, the authors estimate a dynamic panel simultaneous equations model on a sample of 16 Arab countries during the period 2002–2013. This study focuses on two particular channels through which democracy affects growth, namely FDI inflows and public consumption expenditure. The results show that there is no clear relationship between democracy and economic growth in the Arab countries, which confirms the skeptical approach. The ambiguity of this relationship can be explained by the fact that democracy promotes growth indirectly by stimulating FDI inflows and hinders growth by generating higher public consumption expenditure.
Gains from multinational competition for cross-border firm acquisition
Authors: Koska Onur A.
Published: March 2019

This study shows that when there is multinational competition for foreign acquisition, the strategic use of a consumer welfare argument in regulating foreign market entry leads to a preemptive foreign acquisition. Even under fierce competition, foreign acquisition will emerge as part of a non-cooperative equilibrium (although multinationals would have gained more had they been able to credibly commit to a cooperative equilibrium of independent foreign sales, either via greenfield investment or trade under complete liberalization) which increases local welfare by more than both the case without foreign market entry and the case with foreign market entry via independent foreign sales.
The special issue on FDI and multinational corporations: an introduction
Authors: Harms Philipp , Wacker Konstantin M.
Published: March 2019

This paper offers an introduction to the special issue on FDI and multinational corporations: http://www.economics-ejournal.org/special-areas/special-issues/fdi-and-multinational-corporations. It summarizes the contents of the five papers included, and relates them to the recent literature on the subject.
Laryngological manifestations of Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: Kamiński Bartłomiej
Published: March 2019

Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of exocrine glands and a range of extra-glandular features. The most common and earliest symptoms are oral and ocular dryness. The aim of this study is to present the most common otolaryngological manifestations of SS, their pathomechanism and possible aetiology. The most common oral signs and symptoms are xerostomia, tooth decay, fungal infections, traumatic oral lesions, dysphagia, dysgeusia, and inflammation of the salivary glands. The salivary glands of SS patients are characterised by chronic inflammation. The presence of foci is thus a hallmark of SS. A biopsy can be taken from either the labial or the parotid salivary gland. The most significant complication of SS is the development of lymphoproliferative malignancy, which occurs in about 5% of SS patients. The ultrasonic greyscale scoring system, glandular volume measurement, and intraglandular power Doppler ultrasonography are specific ultrasound parameters of SS.
The rheumatoid hand in the light of fluorescence: a diagnostic technique of the future?
Authors: Żuchowski Paweł , Waszczak-Jeka Marzena , Kudlicki Szymon , Jeka Sławomir
Published: March 2019

Fluorescence spectroscopy is usually applied in physics, chemistry and related sciences. However, in recent years we can observe a growing interest in fluorescence spectroscopy for medical diagnostics. Currently, it is beginning to be used in the monitoring of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) activity. As the knowledge on RA increases, growing importance is being placed on the evaluation of synovitis. Today, it is difficult to imagine contemporary rheumatology without ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, it turns out that these are not the only methods allowing one to visualise subclinical lesions, particularly synovitis. Fluorescence optical imaging (FOI) is also useful for the evaluation of inflammatory lesions in the joints. In the future, FOI may become competitive with “traditional” imaging studies. It is characterised by low cost, short duration and similar sensitivity to US.
Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant for progressive diffuse systemic sclerosis: procedural success and clinical outcome in 5-year follow-up
Authors: Pawlak-Buś Katarzyna , Schmidt Wiktor , Olejarz Michał , Czyż Anna , Komarnicki Mieczysław , Leszczyński Piotr
Published: March 2019

Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune connective tissue disease affecting both skin and internal organs. Progressive disease with multiple organ involvement is considered to have a poor prognosis. Treatment possibilities are limited, but certain patients may benefit from autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT).

We report a case of a 30-year-old woman with progressive diffuse systemic sclerosis treated with parenteral cyclophosphamide with unsatisfactory results. Due to progression of the disease and lack of alternative therapies auto-HSCT was performed.

After instituting treatment with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation no immunosuppressive therapy has been required during 5-year follow-up. Improvement in exertion tolerance, partial regression of skin lesions and stabilization of pulmonary and cardiovascular changes were observed. Currently therapeutic options in patients with progressive systemic sclerosis are limited. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation might become an alternative therapeutic solution not only in the early phase of the disease but also among selected patients with progressive systemic sclerosis resistant to standard therapy.
Scleroderma-like syndrome in a woman with silicone breast implants – case report and critical review of the literature
Authors: Wroński Jakub , Bonek Krzysztof , Stanisławska-Biernat Ewa
Published: March 2019

Various silicon compounds have been reported to stimulate autoimmune reactions in the human body. Based on case reports, a possible causal association between silicone breast implants and systemic sclerosis has been suggested since the end of the 1970s. Although the relationship between systemic sclerosis and silicone breast implants has been intensely investigated, no clear evidence of such an association has ever been found in epidemiological studies. Instead, it is now proposed that silicone breast implants can induce nonspecific symptoms of inflammatory diseases, despite not fulfilling the diagnostic criteria for a specific autoimmune disease. This phenomenon was named autoimmune syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA syndrome). ASIA syndrome is worth considering in the differential diagnosis in rheumatology patients. In this paper, we present a case of the scleroderma-like syndrome in a 48-year-old woman with a broken silicone breast implant and a review the current literature on this issue.
Update and evaluation of the ozone dry deposition in the
Oslo CTM3 v1.0
Authors: Falk Stefanie , Søvde Haslerud Amund
Published: March 2019

Abstract. High concentrations of ozone in ambient air are hazardous not only to humans but to the ecosystem in general. The impact of ozone damage on vegetation and agricultural plants in combination with advancing climate change may affect food security in the future. While the future scenarios in themselves are uncertain, there are limiting factors constraining the accuracy of surface ozone modeling also at present: The distribution and amount of ozone precursors and ozone depleting substances, the stratosphere-troposphere exchange as well as scavenging processes. Removal of any substance through gravitational settling or by uptake by plants and soil is referred to as dry deposition. The process of dry deposition is important for predicting surface ozone concentrations and understanding the observed amount and increase of tropospheric background ozone. The conceptual dry deposition velocities are calculated following a resistance-analogous approach wherein aerodynamic, quasi laminar, and canopy resistances are key components, but these are hard to measure explicitly. In this paper, we present an update of the dry deposition scheme implemented in the Oslo CTM3. We change from a purely empirical dry deposition parameterization to a more process-based one which is taking the state of the atmosphere and vegetation into account. Examining the sensitivity of the scheme to various parameters, our focus lies mainly on the stomatal conductance-based description of the canopy resistance. We evaluate the resulting modeled ozone dry deposition with respect to observations and multi-model studies and also estimate the impact on the modeled ozone concentrations at the surface. We show that the global annual total ozone dry deposition decreases with respect to the previous model version (−47 %), leading to an increase in surface ozone of up to 100 %. While high sensitivity to changes in dry deposition to vegetation is found in the tropics, the largest impact on global scales is associated to changes in dry deposition to the ocean and deserts.
Sources and fate of nitrate in groundwater at agricultural operations overlying glacial sediments
Authors: Bourke Sarah A. , Iwanyshyn Mike , Kohn Jacqueline , Hendry M. Jim
Published: March 2019

Abstract. Leaching of nitrate (NO3-) from animal waste or fertilisers at
agricultural operations can result in NO3- contamination of
groundwater, lakes, and streams. Understanding the sources and fate of
nitrate in groundwater systems in glacial sediments, which underlie many
agricultural operations, is critical for managing impacts of human food
production on the environment. Elevated NO3- concentrations in
groundwater can be naturally attenuated through mixing or denitrification.
Here we use isotopic enrichment of the stable isotope values of
NO3- to quantify the amount of denitrification in groundwater at
two confined feeding operations overlying glacial sediments in Alberta,
Canada. Uncertainty in δ15NNO3 and
δ18ONO3 values of the NO3- source and
denitrification enrichment factors are accounted for using a Monte Carlo
approach. When denitrification could be quantified, we used these values to
constrain a mixing model based on NO3- and Cl−
concentrations. Using this novel approach we were able to reconstruct the
initial NO3−N concentration and NO3-N/Cl- ratio at the
point of entry to the groundwater system. Manure filtrate had
total nitrogen (TN) of up to 1820 mg L−1, which was predominantly
organic N and NH3. Groundwater had up to 85 mg L−1 TN, which
was predominantly NO3-. The addition of NO3- to the
local groundwater system from temporary manure piles and pens equalled or
exceeded NO3- additions from earthen manure storages at these
sites. On-farm management of manure waste should therefore increasingly focus
on limiting manure piles in direct contact with the soil and encourage
storage in lined lagoons. Nitrate attenuation at both sites is attributed to
a spatially variable combination of mixing and denitrification, but is
dominated by denitrification. Where identified, denitrification reduced
agriculturally derived NO3- concentrations by at least half and,
in some wells, completely. Infiltration to groundwater systems in glacial
sediments where NO3- can be naturally attenuated is likely
preferable to off-farm export via runoff or drainage networks, especially if
local groundwater is not used for potable water supply.
Effects of different land use and land cover data on the landslide susceptibility zonation of road networks
Authors: Meneses Bruno M. , Pereira Susana , Reis Eusébio
Published: March 2019

Abstract. This work evaluates the influence of land use and land cover (LUC) data with
different properties on the landslide susceptibility zonation of the road
network in the Zêzere watershed (Portugal). The information value method
was used to assess the landslide susceptibility using two models: one
including detailed LUC data (the Portuguese Land Cover Map – COS) and the
other including more generalized LUC data (the CORINE Land Cover – CLC). A
set of fixed independent layers was considered as landslide predisposing
factors (slope angle, slope aspect, slope curvature, slope-over-area ratio,
soil, and lithology) while COS and CLC were used to find the differences in
the landslide susceptibility zonation. A landslide inventory was used as a
dependent layer, including 259 shallow landslides obtained from the
photointerpretation of orthophotos from 2005, and further validated in three
sample areas. The landslide susceptibility maps were assigned to the road
network data and resulted in two landslide susceptibility road network maps.
The models' performance was evaluated with prediction and success rate curves
and the area under the curve (AUC). The landslide susceptibility results
obtained in the two models present a high accuracy in terms of the AUC
(>90 %), but the model with more detailed LUC data (COS)
produces better results in the landslide susceptibility zonation on the road
network with the highest landslide susceptibility.
Joint analysis of the magnetic field and Total Gradient Intensity in Central Europe
Authors: Milano Maurizio , Fedi Maurizio , Fairhead J. Derek
Published: March 2019

Abstract. In the European region, the magnetic field at satellite altitudes (~ 350 km) is mainly defined by a long-wavelength magnetic-low called here the Central Europe Magnetic Low (CEML), located to the southwest of the Trans European Suture Zone (TESZ). We studied this area by a joint analysis of the magnetic and total gradient (∇T) anomaly maps, for a range of different altitudes of 5 km, 100 km and 350 km. Tests on synthetic models showed the usefulness of the joint analysis at various altitudes to identify reverse dipolar anomalies and to characterize areas in which magnetization is weak. By this way we identified areas where either reversely or normally magnetized sources are locally dominant. At a European scale these anomalies are sparse, with a low degree of coalescence effect. The ∇T map indeed presents generally small values within the CEML area, indicating that the Palaeozoic Platform is weakly magnetized. At 350 km altitude, the TESZ effect is largely dominant: with intense ∇T highs above the East European Craton (EEC) and very small values above the Palaeozoic Platform, this again denoting a weakly magnetized crust. Small coalescence effects are masked by the trend of the TESZ. Although we identified sparsely located reversely magnetized sources in the Palaeozoic Platform of the CEML, the joint analysis does not support a model of a generally reversely magnetized crust. Instead, our analysis strongly favors the hypothesis that the CEML anomaly is mainly caused by a sharp contrast between the magnetic properties of EEC and Palaeozoic Platform.
Evaluating porosity estimates for sandstones based on X-ray micro-tomographic images
Authors: Nehler Mathias , Stoeckhert Ferdinand , Oelker Anne , Renner Jörg , Saenger Erik
Published: March 2019

Abstract. We compare experimentally determined porosity with values derived from X-ray tomography for a suite of eight sandstone varieties covering a porosity range from about 3 to 25 %. In addition, we performed conventional stereological analysis of SEM images and examined thin sections. We investigated the sensitivity of segmentation, the conversion of the tomographic gray-value images representing the obtained X-ray attenuation coefficients into binary images, to (a) resolution of the digital images, (b) denoising filters, and (c) seven thresholding methods. Images of sandstones with porosities of 15 to 25 % exhibit a bimodal intensity distribution of the attenuation coefficients, enabling unambiguous segmentation that gives porosity values closely matching the laboratory values. For samples with lower porosities, pores and grains do not separate well in the skewed unimodal intensity histograms. For these samples, all tested thresholding methods tend to miscalculate porosity significantly. In addition to absolute porosity, the ratio between pore size and resolution, and mineralogical composition of the rocks affect the biases of the global segmentation methods.
Ensayo ganador del IX Premio Enrique Ruano Casanova: Grameen Bank: el banco de los pobres. El impacto de una herramienta para erradicar la pobreza y dar poder a la mujer
Authors: De Diego Rábago Patricia
Published: March 2019

Grameen Bank es un banco dedicado a los pobres. Este trabajo se centra en cómo este modelo ha marcado un antes y un después en la vida de sus clientes. Se expli­cará el impacto que el modelo Grameen Bank ha supuesto en la sociedad bengalí y se analizará cómo aprovecha sus recursos para convertirlos en ventajas competiti­vas. Y es que a través de su continua adaptación al entorno e innovadora metodo­logía, veremos cómo Grameen Bank logra ser independiente del resto de entidades bancarias. Mediante esta investigación, basada en mi propia experiencia durante mis prácticas en Grameen Bank y en la aldea de Rahshahi, y en fuentes como las memorias y libros de su fundador Muhammad Yunus y documentos oficiales del propio Grameen Bank, se llegará a distintas conclusiones, tratando, además, de constatar que Grameen Bank constituye un gran ejemplo de trabajo social gracias a su empeño en luchar por erradicar la pobreza y dar poder a la mujer, convirtiéndo­la en la protagonista de este proyecto.
Risk Factors Associated With Childhood Stunting in Rwanda: A Secondary Analysis of the 2014 Nutrition, Markets and Gender (NMG) Survey
Authors: Nyiraneza Lauriane , Wong Rex , Olu Olushayo , Nahimana Marie-Rosette , Birachi Eliud , Musoni August , Gegout Chantal , Logan Jenae
Published: March 2019

Childhood stunting can have negative health, social, and economic outcomes. In 2015, 37.9% of children under the age of five were stunted in Rwanda. This study aimed to understand the risk factors associated with stunting specific to Rwanda in order to inform effective interventions.The analysis found higher odds of stunting among the children of mothers who had no education compared to those with secondary education (OR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.34-3.36), who did not take sufficient quantities of food during the pregnancy (OR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.07-1.65) or did not consume a diverse diet during pregnancy (OR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.12-1.73). Children living in households with two or more children under two years of age (OR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.35-2.50), born with low birth weight (OR: 2.8, 95 CI: 1.67-4.27), born preterm (OR: 4.1, 95 CI: 1.96-8.70), not consuming animal proteins (OR: 1.7 CI: 1.49-2.02) and not drinking treated water (OR: 1.6, CI: 1.07-2.23) all have higher odds of developing stunting. Children living in households with low dietary diversity also had higher odds of stunting (OR: 2.2 CI: 1.23-3.88).The results of the analysis suggested that women should be educated to modify their feeding behavior. Educating women can potentially influence their decision-making related to antenatal care (ANC) service attendance and to their own as well as their children’s nutrition needs. Appropriate birth spacing should be encouraged. Providing nutritional supplements to mothers at ANC appointments, increasing access to diverse food groups, and providing nutritional care for babies with low birth weight are potential interventions to address the issue of childhood stunting in Rwanda.
Training on Heat Detection to Increase the Success Rate of Cattle Artificial Insemination for Girinka Beneficiaries in Huye District, Rwanda
Authors: Sibo Nancy , Callender Sylvia , Logan Jenae , Henley Phaedra , Wong Rex
Published: March 2019

Cattle farming is important for the socio-economic development of Rwanda, representing 12% of the national gross domestic product (GDP). In general, livestock production is a primary source of income. Recognizing the importance of cattle, the Government of Rwanda introduced the Girinka program in 2006 to reduce poverty and childhood malnutrition by providing poor people with dairy cows. The sustainability of the Girinka program relies on the successful breeding of cattle. Artificial Insemination (AI) is a method that can enhance cattle reproduction, but many Girinka beneficiaries did not have the requisite knowledge to maximize the success rate of AI by tracking the estrus cycle (heat detection) of their cattle.This project aimed to study the effect of training Girinka farmers on heat detection using the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) materials on cattle AI. A two-day training was provided to 74 Girinka cattle farmers. The cattle AI success rate and the farmers’ knowledge of heat detection were measured.The overall knowledge of farmers on cattle estrus cycle significantly increased from 37.16% pre-intervention to 92.34% post-intervention (P=0.008). The AI success rate significantly increased from 44% pre-intervention to 58.7% post-intervention (P<0.001).The study showed that by providing an evidence-based training to farmers on heat detection and estrus cycle in cattle could increase the success rate of AI. The same training is recommended for all Girinka beneficiaries in Rwanda. Longer term follow-up and scaling-up of the project should be considered to maximize the benefits.
The Relationship Between Being Exposed to Culture Through Social Media and the Willingness to Learn English
Authors: Abdullah Assrar , Bukhari Basma , Almutairi Fatimah
Published: March 2019

This study is an attempt to investigate the relationship between exposure to the native culture and the learners’ willingness to learn the language. The study follows a mixed-method methodology using a questionnaire with closed-ended items and open-ended questions. Responses to the questionnaire were collected from 54 female students at a public university in Saudi Arabia. In general, the questionnaire results are significant, and indicate that there is a relationship between exposure to the native culture and the learners’ willingness to learn the language. The main finding is that being exposed to a certain culture makes the learners more willing to learn the language of that culture. Moreover, the findings of the study indicate the importance of adopting social media networking to assist in the process of integrating culture into teaching English as a foreign language. Furthermore, based on the findings of this study, we encourage teachers to allocate as much time as possible to introducing cultural aspects in foreign language classrooms with the aid of social media.
The Efficacy of Evolving Technology in Conceptualizing Pedagogy and Practice in Higher Education
Authors: Ali Wahab
Published: March 2019

The proliferation of new forms of information and communication technology (ICT) has inundated the learning patterns of students at all levels and particularly at higher education level. The efficacy of teaching the digital generation of learners without a firm grasp of how they learn is like embarking upon a perpetual journey. Invariably, today’s students have been mesmerized by digital gadgets from a very small age and this experience calls for a technology integrated paradigm. Hence, the current study focuses on the influence of evolving technology in conceptualizing pedagogy and practice in higher education. It explores staff members’ technological know-how and how they are able to influence learning at a University in Fiji. An exploratory research design was selected and a survey consisting of Likert scale items was administered. Subsequently, SPSS Statistical software was used for data analytical and reporting purpose. Findings are discussed in collaboration with a robust meta-analysis of literature and they reveal that apart from resources, staff readiness, confidence and motivation play important function in ICT integrated learning. This paper proposes that staff members should use technology and technological gadgets to enhance digital literacy and numeracy that in turn, would create a digitally vibrant society.
The Analysis of Academic Motivation and Career Stress Relationships of the Students in Department of Physical Education and Sport
Authors: Çetinkaya Turan
Published: March 2019

The purpose of this study is to determine the levels of career stress and academic motivation of the students in the departments of physical education and sports. 527 students who receive education in Physical Education and Sports Academies of Ahi Evran University, Erciyes University, Dumlupınar University and Çanakkale 18 Mart University participated in the study. In this study, personal information form, career stress scale and academic motivation scale were used as data collection tools. In the comparison of relevant data, range, frequency, t test, Anova test and simple regression analysis were performed. Besides, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was performed in order to reveal the factor structures of academic motivation and career stress scales. As a result of statistical analyzes, significant difference was not seen at levels of academic motivation and career stress for all dimensions in terms of the gender and certified sportsmanship variables of the participants. However, significant difference was seen in the total scores of identified extrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation extrinsic regulation, career uncertainty, job finding pressure and career stress in terms of grade variable. According to the results of the regression analyzes performed, negative significant correlation was detected between the academic motivation and career stress levels of participants.
Assets Utilization and Performance of Manufacturing Firms in Nigeria
Authors: Akinleye G. T. , Olufemi Dadepo Adesina
Published: March 2019

This study examined the effect of assets utilization on performance of selected manufacturing firms in Nigeria. Secondary data were collected from the annual report and accounts of the ten selected quoted firms for a period of five years spanning from 2012 to 2016. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation and regression analyses. The empirical results revealed that asset turnover(ATR) has positive and significant effect on return on assets (ROA) of the selected manufacturing firms as confirmed by the coefficient and probability value of 0.235999(p=0.0000). Current assets ratio also has positive and significant effect on return on assets with the coefficient of 0.109040 (p=0.0035) while debt assets ratio has negative but insignificant effect on return on assets. The overall coefficient of determination (R2)of 0.84951showed that about 85 % of the total variation in the ROA is explained by asset turnover (ATR), current ratio (CUR) and debt-assets ratio (DAR). The study concluded that assets utilization has positive and significant effect on the performance of manufacturing firms in Nigeria and therefore recommended that attention should be purposely paid to optimum asset utilization in the manufacturing firms in Nigeria.
The Moderating Effect of Transformational Leadership on the Relationship between Organizational Culture and Organizational Effectiveness: An Empirical Study in Food Companies Listed at the Amman Stock Exchange-Jordan
Authors: Faisal Habtoosh Ayman , Al-Qutop Mohi-Adden Y.
Published: March 2019

The main aim of this study is to investigate the moderating effect of Transformational Leadership (Inspirational Motivation, Intellectual Stimulation, and Idealized Influence) on the relationship between Organizational Culture (Teamwork and Innovation) and Organizational Effectiveness in Food Companies listed at the Amman Stock Exchange -Jordan.

The data was gathered through a questionnaire that was designed and distributed to convenient sample units that represented these Food Companies. A total of 236 respondents participated by answering the questionnaire, and they represented 10 percent of companies' employees.

Descriptive analytical approaches were used to analyze the data for this study using Statistical Package for Social Sciences program V.21.

The study results show that there was a significant statistical effect of Organizational Culture on Organizational Effectiveness, and there was a significant statistical moderating effect of Transformational Leadership on the relationship between Organizational Culture and Organizational Effectiveness in Food Companies listed at Amman Stock Exchange.

The study recommended that these Companies need to adopt behavioral training programs for the current managers and supervisors to promote the transformational leadership style and create a climate of mutual trust and respect with employees and inspire and motivate them intellectually to increase the positive impact of transformational leadership on the relationship between organizational culture and organizational effectiveness.
Impairment Charges and Market Value of Insurance Firms in Nigeria
Authors: Chukwu Gospel J. , Obah Godpower W.
Published: March 2019

The purpose of this study is to examine whether impairment of financial assets affects the behaviour of equity investors in the insurance industry in Nigeria. Using a sample of 102 firm-year observations drawn from 17 insurance firms, and another sample of insurance firms whose shares traded at more than par value, the study investigated whether share prices are associated with insurance receivables and with other financial assets. Findings show that share prices are not significantly associated with insurance receivables, or with other financial assets. This is possibly because the shares of many insurance firms in Nigeria traded mostly at par value within the sample period-2012 to 2017. Empirical results further reveal that for the sample of firms whose shares traded at more than par value, there is a significant negative relationship between impairment charges of financial assets and market value, suggesting that investors negatively view impairment charges and regard them as evidence of decline in the economic value of organisational assets. Even with the sample of firms whose shares traded at more than par value, there is an insignificant relationship between insurance receivables and market value, suggesting that investors do not regard the impairment of trade receivables as sufficiently reliable to include them in their assessment of firm value. Regulators of the insurance industry must therefore emphasise confidence-boosting strategies such as the merger of weak insurance firms. This will create larger firms with greater capacity and better performance, as well as improve investors’ perception of the insurance industry in Nigeria.
Competitive Innovation Strategies and Their Effect on Enhancing Organizational Effectiveness: Talent Management as a Moderator
Authors: Abou-Moghli Azzam A.
Published: March 2019

Innovation strategies significantly contribute to the enhancement of organizational competitive advantage. Talent management is considered as a stimulator improving the organization performance. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effect of competitive innovative strategy on organizational effectiveness in relation to talent management. The quantitative design is applied using a questionnaire-based survey. A total of 279 participants were recruited for collecting data which was analyzed using SPSS. Descriptive and inferential statistics were computed along with chi-square. The results have shown a significant and positive effect of process innovation, retention, and attraction on organizational effectiveness. In addition, the study has found a positive and significant moderating role of retention, engagement, and attraction on process innovation and organizational effectiveness. However, the study fails to find any significant effect of engagement on organizational performance, competitive advantage, and total positioning. In order to improve organization competitive edge, the study recommends investing in the talent management and development for enriching its intellectual capital, which serves as a great asset for competitive advantage.
Prioritizing Short-Termism in Behavioural Strategy: Lessons from Enron – 20 Years On
Authors: Abatecola Gianpaolo
Published: March 2019

What are the risks of prioritizing short-term goals in corporate strategy against more long-term oriented (and hopefully sustainable) corporate performance? Through a qualitative case study narrative recalling some aspects of the sadly famous, but still insightful, bankruptcy of the Enron Corporation in the US (2001), this article aims at contributing to shed light on this lively research question within the international research on and practice of behavioural strategy. Given that, also currently, the seasons of corporate scandals do not seem to have ended, the main motivation behind this work is that the lessons which we could have learned after almost 20 years since the Enron seminal disaster occurred, can still probably have a value. In parallel, the main conceptual contribution offered by our case perspective is that, while the massive past and recent Enron’s coverage has mostly devoted attention to the aspects of fraud and its associated business ethics, our analysis is, instead, focused on the corporate strategic orientation mainly deriving from the macho culture of the top executives. Of course, we are aware that concentrating on the latter cannot avoid acknowledging also the importance of the former. Furthermore, the case can also offer a methodological contribution; in fact, while much of the research in corporate governance has been implemented through quantitative techniques, scholars have also recently claimed that additional qualitative research is complementarily needed to reach a more exhaustive big picture on how executives behave.
Cadmium in pork and poultry liver in southern Poland
Authors: Kleszcz Krzysztof , Jędryka Wioletta
Published: March 2019

Samples of pork and poultry livers (ten samples of each type, purchased in southern Poland) were analyzed in order to determine the cadmium concentration. Wet digestion of the samples was carried out and the concentration of cadmium was measured by means of graphite-furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS). The mean values for pork and poultry livers were 79.3 µg/kg and 165.3 µg/kg, respectively. In one sample of poultry liver the Cd concentration was 1043 µg/kg, which is much more than the legal limit for the European Union (500 µg/kg). Statistical analysis showed that there was no significant difference in Cd concentration between the two groups of the samples, unless the highest result (1043 µg/kg) was considered an outlier.
Air-water heat pump applied as water boiler in single-family house, coefficient of performance analysis under the real conditions
Authors: Lisowska-Lis Agnieszka , Leszczyński Robert
Published: March 2019

The subject of the research was an air-water heat pump, model PCUW 2.5kW from HEWALEX, installed in a single-family house. The pump is only used for heating water. The research was carried out from 25-08-2017 to 18-09-2017 in the village of Zborowice, in Malopolska region, Poland. The data were recorded from the heat pump system: temperature of the lower heat source (external air), temperature of the upper heat source (water temperature in the tank), time of heat pump was calculated during the analysed cycle of work and electrical energy consumption. The Coefficient Of Performance (COP) of the analysed air-water heat pump was determined. The analysis of the results was carried out using the MATLAB and EXCEL statistical tools. The correlation between COP coefficient and external air temperature is strong: 0.67.
PROFITABILITY OF SUGAR BEET FOLIAR NUTRITION WITH SILICON
Authors: Artyszak Arkadiusz , Klarzyńska Ewelina , Litwińczuk-Bis Magda , Siuda Alicja
Published: March 2019

In the years 2015-2016 in Sahryń (50°41′ N, 23°47’ E) a field experiment, with the aim of assessing profitability of foliar nutrition of sugar beet with silicon, was carried out. The following products containing silicon were used in the experiment: Actisil, Herbagreen Z20 and Optysil. Each of them was applied once, twice and thrice. For each combination, the gross production value, the costs of foliar nutrition, the net production value and the profitability index were calculated. The total costs of silicon foliar application varied depending on the number of treatments and the applied product from 50 to 402 PLN/ha. The gross production value of sugar beet due to foliar nutrition with silicon increased by 1.3-22.9% for the research period, and the net production value by 5.5-19.0%. A large variation in the achieved financial results was observed in 2015, in which there were particularly unfavorable conditions for the growth and yield of sugar beet. In the more favorable year for growing sugar beet (2016), the difference was smaller. The largest increase in the gross and net production value of sugar beet was ensured by the double and triple application of Actisil fertilizer and the triple application of the Optysil growth stimulator. However, the largest profitability indicator (11.26) was characterized by a single Optysil growth stimulator application.
CONSENT OF THE NATIONAL CENTER OF AGRICULTURAL SUPPORT FOR THE PURCHASE OF AGRICULTURAL PROPERTY AS A NEW INSTRUMENT FOR REAL ESTATE TURNOVER
Authors: Brożyna Michał , Pijanowska Justyna
Published: March 2019

In 2016 the rules concerning the agricultural land market in Poland changed. This legal reform was aimed at closing access for EU foreigners to the Polish agricultural land market. Prior to these new regulations being introduced, it was speculated whether these changes would lead to the agricultural land market “freezing up”, as the relevant jurisdiction and responsibilities, formerly granted to the Agricultural Property Agency, were taken over by the National Center of Agricultural Support (KOWR). The analysis was conducted on the basis of subject literature and data was obtained from KOWR. The investigated problems included formal and legal aspects of issuing consents by KOWR for the acquisition of agricultural land located in the Republic of Poland, as well as actual use of the above mentioned instrument by KOWR’s branch unit in Cracow. The regulation, aimed at closing access for EU foreigners to Polish agricultural land, was constructed in such a way that access to agricultural land was either impeded or made impossible not only for foreign entities but also certain Polish citizens. In accordance with Art. 2a par.4 of the Act on shaping the agricultural system (UKUR), consent of KOWR is required in the case of agricultural land purchase by entities other than those mentioned in Art 2a par. 3 of UKUR. According to the data obtained from KOWR and presented in the paper, it is evident that this instrument is being practically applied in the Malopolska Province.
DETRITAL ZIRCON GEOCHRONOLOGY AND PROVENANCE OF THE PROTEROZOIC QUARTZ-RICH METASEDIMENTS OF THE MAZOWSZE DOMAIN: SOURCE AREAS AND REGIONAL CORRELATION
Authors: KRZEMIŃSKI Leszek , KRZEMIŃSKA Ewa , Wiszniewska Janina
Published: March 2019

Drilling at Mońki IG-2 and Zabiele IG-1 in the Mazowsze domain has intersected mature quartz-rich metasedimentary rocks belonging to the basement of NE Poland, described so far as a Biebrza complex. The geochemical composition of these rocks is characteristic of a passive margin. The subarkose–quartz arenite underwent low-T metamorphism, but preserved textures typical for the fluvial sediments. The detrital material in range 1.68–2.11 Ga was provided from surrounding late Paleoproterozoic margins of the Fennoscandia and Sarmatia. The maximum depositional age probably did not exceed 1.6 Ga. A previously suggested correlation with Mesoproterozoic molasse-type deposits of the Jotnian formation has not been confirmed. It seems more likely that the sediments formed after Fennoscandia-Sarmatia collision (i.e. termination of Svecofennian orogeny) but before denudation of the Mesoproterozoic Mazury AMCG intrusions.
THE DETERMINANTS OF PROFITABILITY OF ORGANIC PRODUCTION IN THE OPINIONS OF FARMERS
IN THE PODLASKIE VOIVODESHIP
Authors: Przygodzka Renata , Kozłowska-Burdziak Mirosława , Bąk Marcin
Published: March 2019

The aim of the research paper was to present a character description of organic agricultural
holdings and identify factors affecting profitability of these holdings basing on the opinions of farmers
specializing in such production. The area analyzed in this research was the Podlaskie Voivodeship. In
order to achieve the aim, various research methods were employed, such as the study of relevant literature
opinion surveys conducted using a questionnaire directed to 101 organic farms (selected randomly
ensuring representativeness of results) as well as means of descriptive statistics. The conducted research
indicates that a typical organic farmer in the Podlaskie Voivodeship is 48 years old and has 16 years of
experience in agricultural holding management. He is also well educated (44% have higher education)
and possesses good knowledge about organic agriculture. Almost 80% of analyzed agricultural holdings
have certificates, usually for several products. 51% produce mostly for their own needs, while production
of only every third is for the most part dedicated to market purposes. In 55% of these holdings, production
is oriented mostly towards plant production, whereas 35% is multidirectional. In the majority of farmers’
opinions, the economic situation of their holdings is comparable to that of conventional farms. Only every
fifth farmer considers their situation to better. According to the respondents, subsidies from the European
Union are among the most important factors determining profitability of organic agricultural production.
The factors that affect profitability negatively, according to interviewed farmers, are: low sale prices,
unfavorable climate conditions, high costs of obtaining certificates and overly extensive bureaucracy
TACTICAL DETERMINANTS OF A2/AD OPERATIONS
Authors: ELAK, PhD Assoc. Prof. Col. Leszek
Published: March 2019

The paper presents a concise and thorough insight into the problem of overcoming
potential Russian anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) operations, which may pose
a major threat to Poland’s security. The geopolitical situation in the region is seriously
determined by the Kremlin’s Foreign policy, which is aimed at restoring Russian
dominance over its neighbouring countries and disrupting political and military
cohesion of NATO. Against this background it seems essential for Poland to develop
its modern Armed Forces, which being based on the Land Forces and the Territorial
Defence Forces, could be effectively employed against potential military threats.
POLISH EXPERIENCE IN OPERATIONAL AIR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF EUROPEAN AIRSPACE INTEGRATION
Authors: MARKIEWICZ, PhD Assoc. Prof. Telesfor Marek
Published: March 2019

The continued air traffic growth in Polish airspace requires continuous improvement of the efficiency of the air traffic management (ATM) system in order to meet the needs of all its users and to guarantee the highest level of safety of air operations. Activities in this respect undertaken by the Polish Air Navigation Services Agency (PANSA) in cooperation with military aviation authorities are in line with the objectives of the EU Single European Sky (SES) initiative. In addition to the provision of air navigation services (ANS) for civil aviation (commercial air transport and general aviation),
PANSA also provides navigation services for the crews of military aircraft and other state aircraft flying in operational air traffic (OAT). The article describes in general terms flights in operational air traffic, presents the evolution of European regulations concerning this category of air traffic and discusses in detail selected procedures for planning and protecting military aviation flights in Polish airspace.