bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the driving forces for greening business practices: Empirical evidence from the United Arab Emirates’ logistics service industry
Authors: Salhieh L. , Abushaikha I.
Published: April 2018

The uprising economic, social and political pressures on achieving a good level of environmental governance have forced companies to adopt business practices that aim to mitigate CO2 emissions. Logistics industry is considered as one of the major areas that could make a considerable improvement in reducing the environmental impact of business activities. The aim of this study is to investigate the driving forces that influence the adoption of environmentally friendly logistics activities. Following a detailed literature review, a theoretical model, which encompassed several driving forces and logistics activities, has been developed. Survey-based quantitative data were collected from logistics service providers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and analysed using structural equation modelling methodology and multiple regression analysis. Through answering 110 questionnaires, respondents holding different managerial levels at logistics service organizations, provided data reflecting their perception of the forces that would influence the adoption of green logisticspractices. The driving forces (legislations, customers, and organizational awareness) were found to influence the adoption of green logistics practices by the logistics service industry in the areas of warehousing, packaging and transportation.
Does service innovation matter? An empirical study on market orientation and supply chain performance
Authors: Cheng T-Y. D.J. , Chen C-H. V.
Published: April 2018

The objective of this study was to explore how firm service innovation mediates market orientation and business performance. This paper begins with a literature review indicating the themes from which we developed our conceptual framework. Structural equation modeling based on a cross-section (n = 260) of 5 years of supply chain business data (2009–2013) in Greater China was conducted. We concluded that firm market orientation and service innovation exert significantly positive effects on business performance. In addition, the results supported our model that market orientation is mediated by the effect of service innovation on business performance. Market orientation and service innovation had a stronger combined effect on business performance than market orientation alone did. This paper provides implications for how firms can be more effectively synergized amid challenges and gain a competitive advantage in the global supply chain.
Perfect foresight portfolios on the Johannesburg stock exchange
Authors: Van der Merwe R. , Krige J. D.
Published: April 2018

The main aim of this study was to determine the effect of unanticipated information, or noise, on the returns of cap-weighted portfolios in various segments of the JSE for the period 1995 to 2014. According to Fuller, Han and Tung (2012), all investors in a segment would gain maximum alpha from a portfolio weighted by ex post market capitalisation – in other words, a ‘perfect foresight’ (PF) portfolio. The PF portfolio is a buy-and-hold portfolio of all shares in a particular segment with weights at the beginning of the return period set to be proportional to the market capitalisation of the shares at the end of the return period. The excess return of the PF portfolio over the benchmark portfolio therefore is an estimate of the effect of unanticipated information on the return of the benchmark portfolio. It provides an estimate of the maximum annual amount of available alpha to all investors involved in that segment in a given year. In this study, the returns of PF portfolios were compared with the All Share, Large Cap, Mid Cap and Small Cap segments of the JSE. Intuitively, information to guide decisions on portfolio weighting would be more valuable and deliver more profit when the cross-sectional standard deviation of share returns is high. Therefore a secondary aim was to investigate the correlation between cross-sectional standard deviation and PF excess return. It was found that a strong positive correlation (more than 90%) existed between cross-sectional standard deviation and PF excess return in all segments. In ascending order of annual PF excess return and average cross-sectional standard deviation the results for the segments were: Large Cap (8% and 29%), All Share (9% and 32%), Mid Cap (13% and 36%) and Small Cap (17% and 43%).
Exploring the impact of firm- and relationship-specific factors on alliance performance: Evidence from Turkey
Authors: Esen A. , Alpay G.
Published: April 2018

This study investigates the impact of firm-specific (i.e., alliance orientation and partner selection criteria) and relationship-specific (i.e., strategic fit, cultural fit, and organizational fit) factors on alliance performance and assesses the mediating role of trust in the relationship between relationship-specific factors and alliance performance. Partial least squares analysis is applied to a data set of 106 strategic alliances, including both equity alliances (joint ventures) and non-equity alliances (contractual alliances). The empirical results reveal that alliance orientation and strategic fit lead to superior alliance performance and that cultural fit is positively related to partner trustworthiness. The results have managerial implications regarding how to maximize the positive outcomes of an alliance.
Strategy disclosures by listed financial services companies: Signalling theory, legitimacy theory and South African integrated reporting practices
Authors: Van Zijl W. , Wöstmann C. , Maroun W.
Published: April 2018

This paper investigates the current extent of social-, environmental- and economic- (SEE) related strategy disclosure of companies listed in the financial services sector of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. It uses signalling and legitimacy theory to analyse the findings from a developed SEE strategy-related disclosure checklist.The paper finds social and environmental strategy-related disclosure is still secondary to economic strategy-related disclosures. This may be due to persistent focus on providers of financial capital and the need to perform financially. Further, the subsector’s business model and how closely the subsector interacts with their customers is seen as a driver of social and environmental strategy-related disclosure to maintain their legitimacy and to reduce information asymmetry, reduce cost of capital and assure investors that these factors are being appropriately managed by the entity.Following from above, the banking, insurance and real estate subsectors presented the most strategy-related disclosure. This was linked to their high public accountability and daily interaction with customers, necessitating the need to manage their legitimacy and address adverse selection. The paper also proposes some areas for future research to understand the potential obstacles to incorporating social and environmental concerns into strategy and related disclosures.
Strengthening graduate employee commitment through internal marketing in the South African retail banking industry
Authors: Roberts-Lombard M. , Reynolds-de Bruin L.
Published: April 2018

A strong internal marketing strategy can be critical to achieving and sustaining a competitive advantage as well as driving organisational change and enhanced organisational performance. This study sought to determine the influence of internal marketing mix elements on the satisfaction levels of recently employed graduates (GradDPs) within the retail banking industry in South Africa. The study also identified links between the satisfaction of GradDPs and their affective commitment in this context. A census approach to generating data was applied in the study by using a person-administered and an electronic survey method. Regression analysis was used to test the relationships proposed in the study. The results indicated that internal marketing significantly influences GradDP employee satisfaction within retail banks in South Africa and that a positive relationship exists between GradDP employee satisfaction and their affective commitment. The study results allowed for recommendations that retail banks provide training and support programmes to assist managers in developing a more participative style of leading. Such programmes would assist leaders in consulting employees more often and ensuring that they have sufficient autonomy when executing their work. It would also help leaders to create a safer GradDP employee environment that fosters openness, risk-taking and idea generation.
Invisibles. Las mujeres en los procesos migratorios eslovenos a la Argentina
Authors: Molek Nadia
Published: April 2018

El presente trabajo problematiza desde la antropología la invisibilización de las mujeres en los abordajes clásicos de las migraciones históricas de ultramar a la Argentina. Me propongo recuperar algunas trayectorias históricas de eslovenas en Argentina de dos períodos específicos (entreguerras mundiales y pos Segunda Guerra Mundial), buscando identificar y comparar algunas especificidades del proceso migratorio. Asimismo, me propongo interpretar en las narrativas las representaciones subyacentes respecto de las mujeres, sus experiencias como migrantes y su inserción sociolaboral en la sociedad de destino.

Sostengo que las experiencias migratorias femeninas en la sociedad de destino se relacionan con relaciones socioeconómicas tanto de la sociedad de emigración, como de destino, puesto que las relaciones de género, como otras instituciones sociales, se configuran cultural e históricamente, asignando atributos y significaciones a lo masculino y lo femenino. Por un lado, se verá que las eslovenas se encuentran interpeladas por el corset patriarcal de su identidad de género, pero que al mismo tiempo hay trayectorias que demuestran el papel de la subjetividad y de la decisión de las mujeres de “emprender una nueva vida”.
Los beneficios tributarios su incidencia en la liquidez y la rentabilidad de las Asociaciones de Economía Popular y Solidaria
Authors: Arroba Salto Inés María , Tenesaca Gavilánez Manuel , Arroba Salto Josefa Esther , Villalta Miranda Elizabeth Stefanía
Published: April 2018

La presente investigación revela los resultados obtenidos sobre los beneficios tributarios que gozan las Asociaciones de Economía Popular Solidaria (EPS) y la incidencia en la liquidez y rentabilidad; y tiene como objetivo analizar los beneficios tributarios de la Asociación Afroamérica 21 de la EPS. Se emplearon métodos de investigación de campo y descriptiva, con un enfoque cualitativo por lo que se utilizaron las siguientes técnicas de investigación: observación, entrevista directa, encuesta para conocer la liquidez y rentabilidad de la Asociación Afroamérica 21. Se lograron como resultados comparar los beneficios tributarios de una EPS frente a una de Régimen General-RG y además establecer un plan de mejoramiento de obligaciones en el campo tributario, que permita el cumplimiento del régimen de economía popular y solidaria a tiempo y de esta manera mejorar la liquidez, rentabilidad y gozar de otros beneficios como la prelación de compras del sector público.
The Global Streamflow Indices and Metadata Archive (GSIM) – Part 1: The production of a daily streamflow archive and metadata
Authors: Do Hong Xuan , Gudmundsson Lukas , Leonard Michael , Westra Seth
Published: April 2018

Abstract. This is the first part of a two-paper series presenting the Global Streamflow Indices and Metadata archive (GSIM), a worldwide collection of metadata and indices derived from more than 35 000 daily streamflow time series. This paper focuses on the compilation of the daily streamflow time series based on 12 free-to-access streamflow databases (seven national databases and five international collections). It also describes the development of three metadata products (freely available at https://doi.pangaea.de/10.1594/PANGAEA.887477): (1) a GSIM catalogue collating basic metadata associated with each time series, (2) catchment boundaries for the contributing area of each gauge, and (3) catchment metadata extracted from 12 gridded global data products representing essential properties such as land cover type, soil type, and climate and topographic characteristics. The quality of the delineated catchment boundary is also made available and should be consulted in GSIM application. The second paper in the series then explores production and analysis of streamflow indices. Having collated an unprecedented number of stations and associated metadata, GSIM can be used to advance large-scale hydrological research and improve understanding of the global water cycle.
25 years of Cloud Base Height Measurements by Ceilometer in Ny Ålesund, Svalbard
Authors: Maturilli Marion , Ebell Kerstin
Published: April 2018

Abstract. Clouds are a key factor for the Arctic Amplification of global warming, but their actual appearance and distribution is still afflicted with large uncertainty. On the Arctic wide scale, large discrepancies are found between the various reanalyses and satellite products, respectively. Although ground-based observations by remote sensing are limited to point measurements, they have the advantage to obtain extended time series of vertically resolved cloud properties. Here, we present a 25-year data record of cloud base height measured by ceilometer at the Arctic site Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard. Linked to cyclonic activity, the cloud base height provides essential information for the interpretation of the surface radiation balance and contributes to the understanding meteorological processes. Furthermore, it is a useful auxiliary component for the analysis of advanced technologies that provide insight to cloud microphysical properties, like the cloud radar. The long-term time series also allows deriving an annual cycle of the cloud occurrence frequency, revealing the more frequent cloud cover in summer and the lowest cloud cover amount in April. However, as the use of different ceilometer instruments over the years potentially imposed inhomogeneities to the data record, any long-term trend analysis should be avoided. The Ny-Ålesund cloud base height data from August 1992 to July 2017 are provided in high temporal resolution of 5 minutes (1 minute) before (after) July 1998, respectively, at the PANGAEA repository (https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.880300).
Verification of the mixed layer depth in the OceanMAPS operational forecast model
Authors: Boettger Daniel , Robertson Robin , Brassington Gary B.
Published: April 2018

Abstract. The ocean mixed layer depth is an important parameter describing the exchange of fluxes between the atmosphere and ocean. In ocean modelling a key factor in the accurate representation of the mixed layer is the parameterisation of vertical mixing. An ideal opportunity to investigate the impact of different mixing schemes was provided when the Australian Bureau of Meteorology upgraded its operational ocean forecasting model, OceanMAPS to version 3.0. In terms of the mixed layer, the main difference between the old and new model versions was a change of vertical mixing scheme from that of Chen et al to the General Ocean Turbulence Model. The model estimates of the mixed layer depth were compared with those derived from Argo observations. Both versions of the model exhibited a deep bias in tropical latitudes and a shallow bias in the Southern Ocean, consistent with previous studies. The bias however, was greatly reduced in version 3.0, and variance between model runs decreased. Additionally, model skill against climatology also improved significantly. Further analysis discounted changes to model resolution outside of the Australian region having a significant impact on these results, leaving the change in vertical mixing scheme as the main factor in the assessed improvements to mixed layer depth representation.
Cross-validation of bias-corrected climate simulations is misleading
Authors: Maraun Douglas , Widmann Martin
Published: April 2018

Abstract. We demonstrate both analytically and with a modelling example that cross-validation of free running bias-corrected climate change simulations against observations is misleading. The underlying reasoning is as follows: a cross-validation can have in principle two outcomes. A negative (in the sense of not rejecting a Null hypothesis), if the residual bias in the validation period after bias correction vanishes; and a positive, if the residual bias in the validation period after bias correction is large. It can be shown analytically that the residual bias depends solely on the difference between the simulated and observed change between calibration and validation period. These changes, however, depend mainly on the realisations of internal variability in the observations and climate model. As a consequence, also the outcome of a cross-validation is dominated by internal variability, and does not allow for any conclusion about the sensibility of a bias correction. In particular, a sensible bias correction may be rejected (false positive) and a non-sensible bias correction may be accepted (false negative). We therefore propose to avoid cross-validation when evaluating bias correction of free running bias-corrected climate change simulations against observations. Instead, one should evaluate temporal, spatial and process-based aspects.
Brief communication: Impact of the recent atmospheric circulation
change in summer on the future surface mass balance of the
Greenland ice sheet
Authors: Delhasse Alison , Fettweis Xavier , Kittel Christoph , Amory Charles , Agosta Cécile
Published: April 2018

Abstract. Since the 2000's, a change in the atmospheric circulation over North Atlantic has favored warmer and sunnier weather conditions over the Greenland Ice sheet (GrIS) in summer enhancing the melt increase. This circulation change is not represented by General Circulation Models (GCMs) of the 5th Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) which do not predict any circulation change for the next century over the Atlantic. The goal of this study is to evaluate the impact of an atmospheric circulation change (as currently observed) in a warmer climate on future projections of the GrIS surface mass balance (SMB). We compare GrIS SMB estimates from the regional climate model MAR forced by warmer reanalysis (ERA-Interim with a temperature correction of +1 °C, +1.5 °C and +2 °C at the MAR lateral boundaries) over 1980–2016 to future projections of GrIS SMB from MAR simulations forced with three GCMs over a future period for which a similar temperature increase of +1 °C, +1.5 °C and +2 °C is projected by the GCMs in comparison to 1980–1999. Mean SMB anomalies produced with warmer reanalysis over the climatologically stable period 1980–1999 is similar to those produced with MAR forced with GCMs over future periods characterized by a similar warming over Greenland. However, over the two last decades (2000–2016) when a circulation change has been observed in summer, MAR forced with warmer reanalysis suggests that the SMB decrease could be amplified by a factor of two if such atmospheric conditions will persist compared to future projections forced by GCMs for the same temperature increase but without any circulation change.
Sparking SoTL: Triggers and Stories from One Institution
Authors: Kolomitro Klodiana , Laverty Cory , Stockley Denise
Published: April 2018

With the growing interest in educational research across post-secondary campuses, it is useful to identify the specific supports that best enable Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) initiatives. This paper documents a picture of SoTL interests and supports at one institution through survey and semi-structured collaborative interview data. Both the survey data (289 respondents) and three semi-structured group interviews (8 participants total) provide a picture of participants who have completed or are interested in completing a SoTL study; the events and experiences that triggered an interest in SoTL; and their perceptions of the importance of SoTL in their own teaching, student learning, in their department, and within the institution as a whole. Based on these two datasets, we propose four lenses that are defined in terms of SoTL triggers and which we name a Scholarship Window. We conclude with a number of recommendations as a way to build capacity for SoTL at the institutional level.
Suite à l’intérêt grandissant de la recherche dans le domaine de l’éducation sur tous les campus d’enseignement supérieur, il est utile d’identifier les soutiens spécifiques qui favorisent le mieux les initiatives de l’avancement des connaissances en enseignement et en apprentissage (ACEA). Cet article présente un tableau des intérêts et des soutiens en ACEA dans un établissement donné, établi par le biais d’une enquête et d’une série d’entrevues en collaboration semi-structurées. Les données obtenues suite à l’enquête (289 répondants) et celles de trois entrevues semi-structurées (8 participants au total) ont permis d’établir un tableau de participants qui ont complété ou qui s’intéressent à compléter une étude en ACEA, les événements et les expériences qui ont déclenché cet intérêt en ACEA ainsi que les perceptions des répondants de l’importance de l’ACEA pour leur propre enseignement, pour l’apprentissage des étudiants et pour leur département, ainsi qu’au sein de l’établissement dans son ensemble. Sur la base de ces deux groupes de données, nous proposons quatre lentilles qui sont définies en tant que déclencheurs d’ACEA, que nous avons nommées « fenêtre sur l’avancement des connaissances ». En conclusion, nous présentons un certain nombre de recommandations pour renforcer les capacités en ACEA au niveau institutionnel.
Western Faculty Profile: Dr. Burns Cheadle
Authors: Ho Wilson
Published: April 2018

Dr. Burns Cheadle is an Associate Professor of Petroleum Geology in the Earth Sciences Department at Western University, and the Director of Science Professionalism and Entrepreneurship in the Faculty of Science. Dr. Cheadle believes in responsible development, and that current industry practices must be informed by good science. WURJ member Wilson Ho had the opportunity to interview him and investigate his career and research.
Entre lo global y lo local. Notas históricas y algunos retos de los estudios sobre los medios de comunicación de masas
Authors: Ferrándiz Francisco J.
Published: April 2018

No absttract available.Realidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 80, 2001: 125-135
De la igualdad constitucional (I parte)
Authors: Soriano Rodríguez Salvador Héctor
Published: April 2018

No absttract available.Realidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 80, 2001: 137-157
Aproximación al pensamiento de Octavio Paz
Authors: González Luis Armando
Published: April 2018

No absttract available.Realidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 80, 2001: 159-197
Wallerstein, l., lmpensar las ciencias sociales ; McLaren, P., Multiculturalismo revolucionario. Pedagogía de disensión para un nuevo milenio
Authors: González Luis Armando
Published: April 2018

No absttract available.Realidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 80, 2001: 237-240
¿Cómo deben influir los valores en la ciencia?
Authors: Lacey Hugh , Alvarenga Luis
Published: April 2018

No absttract available.Realidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 81, 2001: 319-335
Gobernabilidad en El Salvador: ejercicio de medición de la administración de Francisco Flores
Authors: Morales Peña Juan Carlos
Published: April 2018

No absttract available.Realidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 81, 2001: 337-350
Manifiesto testimonial
Authors: Lara-Martínez Rafael
Published: April 2018

No absttract available.Realidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 81, 2001: 367-377
La libertad de expresión
Authors: Editor El
Published: April 2018

No abstract availableRealidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 82, 2001: 389-391
De la igualdad constitucional (II parte)
Authors: Soriano Rodríguez Salvador Héctor
Published: April 2018

No abstract available.Realidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 82, 2001: 421-443
LODO DE ESGOTO TRATADO NA COMPOSIÇÃO DE SUBSTRATO PARA PRODUÇÃO DE MUDAS DE Lafoensia glyptocarpa
Authors: Siqueira David Pessanha , Weiss de Carvalho Giovanna Campos Mamede , Barroso Deborah Guerra , Marciano Cláudio Roberto
Published: April 2018

Buscando-se alternativas para a melhor destinação deste resíduo e para o suprimento da crescente demanda por mudas nativas, este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar o uso do lodo tratado na composição de substrato para produção de mudas de mirindiba-rosa. Foram avaliadas características biométricas e fisiológicas das mudas e a qualidade do torrão formado. Para tratamento do lodo, foi feita aplicação de cal a 15% do peso seco do resíduo, sendo testadas as proporções de lodo de esgoto tratado de 25, 50 e 75%, associadas ao substrato comercial, e 100% de lodo de esgoto tratado. O tratamento com 100% de substrato comercial foi considerado como controle. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento inteiramente casualizado (DIC), os dados foram submetidos a ANOVA, e as diferenças foram comparadas pelo teste de Tukey a 5%. Os melhores resultados foram observados nas mudas produzidas em substratos com lodo de esgoto tratado em relação ao substrato comercial puro. Recomenda-se, para essa espécie, proporções entre 25 e 100% de lodo de esgoto tratado em substrato comercial.
MODELING OF FORWARDER PRODUCTIVITY AND COSTS IN THINNED PINE STANDS
Authors: Rodrigues Carla Krulikowski , Lopes Eduardo Da Silva , Filho Afonso Figueiredo , Da Silva Matheus Kaminski Cândido
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe aim of this study was to assess the influence of some operational variables on the forwarder productivity and production cost in thinned Pinus taeda L. stands by means of mathematical modeling. This study was carried out in a forest company located at Quedas do Iguaçu, state of Paraná, Brazil. Two stands at 9 and 10 years old from sites with high productivity and similar soil and relief features were studied. A time-motion study was applied to determine the operational cycle time, operational efficiency, productivity, and production costs. By means of mathematical modeling, we verified the influence of the variables: age of stand; cycle time; load volume; and extraction distance on the forwarder productivity and production costs. Models were fitted for estimating the forwarder productivity using cycle time, load volume, and extraction distance. Thus, we obtained the determination adjusted coefficients of 0.88 and 0.94, with an estimate standard error between 6.9% and 13.5%. Models for estimating production cost through the load volume variable presented a determination coefficient of 0.64 and 0.86, with an estimate standard error of 23.1% and 26.7%. Such results have shown the possibility of using mathematical models to estimate the performance of forest machines as a tool for planning the timber harvesting operations.
“Knocked Out!” Marketing the Philadelphia Quakers
Authors: Rhee Yong Chae , Wong John
Published: April 2018

The Philadelphia Quakers franchise, a National Hockey League (NHL) team in 1930, lasted only for one season. We argue in this paper that the failure of the franchise can be explained, in part, by the team’s marketing approach. This paper attempts to address how and why the franchise came to close its doors in a year by investigating the marketing strategies and tactics for the team of its manager Benny Leonard, a successful former professional boxer. First, the paper begins with a discussion on the marketing of a professional sport team and the four major approaches used in sales and marketing of a sport franchise and concludes that relationship marketing is of great importance in marketing a sport franchise. Then, the paper presents the historical evidence of Quakers’ marketing efforts in Philadelphia. Specifically, we examine how and why Leonard relied heavily on a product-oriented approach in a city with a new NHL franchise and used his fame to market the franchise instead of building a relationship with the city and its citizens.
Assessment of Self-identified Learning Outcomes by Candidates in an Online Professional Program Curriculum Leadership Course
Authors: Agunloye Olajide O.
Published: April 2018

Learning outcomes are expected actions depicting the knowledge, skills, and dispositions (KSD) students can demonstrate at the end of a course or a unit of study relevant to the context of professional practice and institutional expectations. In professional graduate courses, learning outcomes cannot be limited to scores on classroom assessments only. It is defined by what students are taking away, during and at the end of the course, to inform professional practice. Candidates in professional programs should be provided the opportunity to self-identify and self-define learning outcomes that are relevant to their respective contexts of professional practice in the courses they take. This makes the assessment of learning outcomes a bit more challenging in professional programs and courses than non-professional programs. This is particularly so in an online course-delivery format for professional programs. This Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) study analyses and assesses specific self-identified learning outcomes by candidates in an online professional graduate course. The study categorizes and describes specific learning outcomes that candidates self-identified and suggest ways these can be used to improve the content, design, learning outcomes, and expectations in an online graduate-level professional program course. The need for further research in this area is emphasized.
The Knowledge of Early Education Schoolgirls
about Teaching Aids Used in Physical
Education Classes
Authors: Kosiba Grażyna , Jaworski Janusz , Madejski Eligiusz , Gądek Adrian
Published: April 2018

Introduction: Apart from knowledge, teaching
aids also play a major role in teaching and improving
motor skills, particularly in early school education.
They not only facilitate the implementation
of the teaching process but also trigger and reinforce
educational activity.

Aim of the study: The aim of the presented research
was to establish the state of knowledge of primary
education schoolgirls, grade 1-3, about the
sport equipment that should be used in physical
education classes and various sport disciplines.

Material and methods: The research had a continuous
character and covered a group of 267 girls
aged 7 to 9. The schoolgirls came from randomly
selected village schools in the neighbourhood of
Krakow.

Results: As the results of the research show the
state of knowledge of the schoolgirls about the basic
teaching aids used in physical education classes
can be generally recognized as average. What the
surveyed schoolgirls found most difficult was providing
correct names for such equipment as: a badminton
racket, gym stick, gym hoop and ringo.
Among all the teaching aids illustrated in the test,
the surveyed best recognized balls used in team
games (football, volleyball and basketball). In this
case as many as 93% of 9 year old girls answered
correctly.

Conclusions: Generally, in all analysed questions
the research results show a statistically significant
(level p ≤ 0.05) improvement of the girls’ knowledge
on tools and equipment used for work out with
increasing age.
Quality of Life of Patients Subjected
to Specific Allergen Immunotherapy
Authors: Kubik Barbara , Romanowska Urszula , Bednarz Elżbieta
Published: April 2018

Introduction: At present, allergic diseases are
some of the most common chronic diseases affecting
all spheres of human life. The only form of
causative treatment of allergic diseases, apart from
elimination of the sensitizing factor, is the specific
allergen immunotherapy. The symptoms of allergic
diseases can cause a number of consequences,
including reduction of patient activity, negatively
affect social relationships, ways of spending free
time, and also cause sleep disorders. Assessing the
quality of life in allergic diseases provides us with
knowledge of the patient’s psychological and social
functioning, and is a valuable addition to the
review of the effectiveness of treatment for allergic
diseases, allowing us to assess the patient’s overall
well-being.

Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to evaluate
the quality of life of patients using specific allergen
immunotherapy.

Material and methods: 128 subjects were included
in the study, but 100 questionnaires were used
for the analysis. The study group was comprised of
patients undergoing specific allergen immunotherapy
over the age of 18 years. In this paper a diagnostic
survey was used as a research method. The
tools used are the standard questionnaire SF-36 and
the questionnaire survey.

Results: In the present study, it was observed that
the overall quality of life of people affected by allergic
diseases, as measured by the SF-36 questionnaire,
can be assessed as quite good. Respondents
subjected to specific allergen immunotherapy consider
this method of treatment positively influencing
their health as they reduce the symptoms of
allergies. As many as 91% of the respondents think
that specific immunotherapy affects them to reduce
the symptoms of allergies. It has also been
shown that the length of therapy has no effect on
reducing the symptoms of allergies.

Conclusions: The overall quality of life of patients
is quite good, best evaluated in the domains
of physical fitness, limitation of activity caused by
emotional problems and changes in health status.
Researchers positively evaluate the effect of immunotherapy
on their health as it reduces the symptoms
of allergies. Respondents have little knowledge
about how to prevent exposure to allergens.
Despite a positive assessment of the effectiveness
of immunotherapy, the vast majority of respondents
feel the need for additional antihistamines.
Quality of Life of People with Capillary
Malformation of Port Wine Stain (PWS)
Authors: Polek Kinga
Published: April 2018

Aims: The aims of this work were to analyze and
assess the quality of life of people with capillary
malformation as well as to check if they experience
mental and social problems in everyday life.

Materials and methods: A diagnostic survey,
a questionnaire prepared for this particular study,
was used as a data collection method. The sample
consisted of 10 people, both men and women, aged
19-56. The participants were all suffering from
port-wine stain.

Results: The results showed that 90% of the respondents
(9 people) believed that because of capillary
malformation their lives are different comparing
to those of healthy people. 60% (6 people)
did not come to terms with the affliction and 80%
(8 people) had an impression of being different,
meaning worse, because of the skin marks. 90%
admitted that PWS contributed to their depressive
state. 80% declared having problems with establishing
new contacts. 50% believed finding a job
was negatively influenced by the disease and their
different look. 40% claimed to have a lower self-esteem
because of port-wine stains.

Conlusions: The study provided evidence to
a claim that people with capillary malformation
may experience both mental and social problems.
Thus, psychological care is crucial for people with
PWS. Furthermore, laser therapy should be introduced
among children as it would diminish their
chances of having such problems in the future. As
far as environment is concerned, there should be an
educational program established which would act
against marginalization of those suffering from not
only capillary malformation but also other types
of diseases causing skin changes. Moreover, such
programs could help to build positive attitudes towards
those people.
Life satisfaction and motives undertaking
of physical activity by women
aged 50-55 engaged in the fitness club
Authors: Puszczałowska-Lizis Ewa , Musiał Sylwia , Lis Klaudia , Pociask Katarzyna , Placek Katarzyna
Published: April 2018

Aim of the study: Regular physical activity is one
of the ways to prevent the negative effects of civilization
and age-related involutiory changes. Recreational,
referred to as an healthy lifestyle, in which
physical activity is an integral element, is increasingly
popular and desirable value for the modern
society. The aim of this study was evaluation of life
satisfaction and analysis motives of taking physical
activity by fitness center clients aged 50-55.

Material and methods: The study involving the
method of diagnostic survey included 60 women
aged 20-30, including 30 physically active, taking
part in the classes offered by FIT HOUSE fitness
club in Rzeszow (I group) and 30 who did not regularly
participate in any physical exercises (II group).
The collected research results were analyzed with
the use of a non-parametric test of independence
Chi-square (χ2
) and Mann-Whitney U test.

Results: Women working out in fitness club have
more often declared their life satisfaction (p<0,001),
satisfaction with own appearance (p<0,001) and
relationships (p=0,034). We found that 70% of respondents
from the first group were taking part in
physical exercises due to a desire of improve the
physical ability and 63% of group, in order to improve
their silhouette.

Conclusions: Participation in fitness clasess determines
the degree of life satisfaction, apperance
and social contacts of women aged 50-55. The main
motive of physical effort in the fitness club is desire
to improve physical efficiency and slim silhouette.
Study of the influence of the UV radiation
and temperature on the degradation of
pharmaceutical formulations containing
aspirin using FTIR spectroscopy and
chemometrics
Authors: Łoch Justyna , Michońska Anna , Kurczab Rafał
Published: April 2018

The UV radiation and temperature are well-known external factors, which adversely
affect the chemical stability of food, pharmaceuticals and various construction materials.
In particular, the exposure to UV radiation may cause degradation of chemical
substances and thus lead to reduced strength, the content of active substance or also
to the formation of harmful substances for health.
In the present study, the effect of exposure to UV radiation and increased temperature
of six pharmaceutical products containing aspirin were investigated. To measure
the changes occurring during exposure, the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
(FTIR) combined with chemometrics methods, i.e. principal component analysis
(PCA) and cluster analysis (CA) were used. An additional examined factor was the
impact of tablet coating and exposure time on the degree of change in the chemical
composition of the pharmaceutical products. The results showed that both the temperature
and UV radiation influenced significantly the composition of pharmaceutical
formulations, which vary considerably depending on the exposure time and the
presence of covering layer of the drug. More substantial changes in the composition
of the tablets were observed for longer exposure to the degrading factors and lack of
covering. The methodology can be successfully used as a quick quality control of stored pharmaceutical products.
High Tone Power therapy in the
treatment of pain in the cervical spine
Authors: Kulis Aleksandra , Meres Radosław
Published: April 2018

Aim of the study: The purpose of this
study was to analyse therapeutic effects
of massage using the High Tone Power
Therapy for pain relief in the cervical
spine.
Materials and methods: The study included
a group of 40 patients aged from
34 to 55 years. All of them had received
medical treatment of massage using the
High Tone Power Therapy. During their
therapy each patient was treated 6 times
for 30 minutes. Treatments were twice
a week. 100% of the examined persons
completed their therapy. Everyone examined
had their range of spine motion
measured before and after the therapy, and they were asked to assess the intensity
of their pain.
Results: The application of the High
Tone Power massage proved to be a very
effective treatment which improved the
extent of cervical spine mobility in a significant
way. On examination in every
possible movement an increased extent
of mobility was observed. A significant
alleviation of spinal pain was noticed by
the remaining 32 participants. 25% of all
patients were totally free of headache,
and the rest felt a considerable pain relief,
from 6.57 points to 4 points. Dizziness
disappeared in the case of 30% of
the examined patients. The therapy did
not make any improvement 8 of the patients
examined.
Conclusions: High Tone Power massage
treatment improved the range of spineal
motion as well as the analgesic activity
at the majority of examined patients.
The presented report should be treated as
a preliminary test, requiring further studies
in a larger number of patients using a
comparative group.
Lifelong physical activity as a result
of the process of school education
in sport culture
Authors: Umiastowska Danuta
Published: April 2018

Physical activity has direct effects on
good physical and mental health, develops the skills of resourcefulness and independence
in children as well as builds
confidence and self-esteem. In modern
school tremendous mental efforts as well
as a high level of self-control are expected
from a child in order to gain certain
learning skills. This is expected with the
minimum physical activity. This situation
leads to frustration, fear, and learning
anxiety. It also inhibits the enjoyment
of learning, human development, spontaneity
and creative thinking. The aim of
the study is to show how one can shape
long-lasting attitudes to undertake physical
activity through out the course of
one’s life.
Revision of the Siriella brevicaudata species group (Crustacea: Mysida: Mysidae) from the West Indo-Pacific
Authors: Daneliya Mikhail , Price W. Wayne , Heard Richard W.
Published: April 2018

The Siriella brevicaudata species group from the West Indo-Pacific, defined and designated by Murano & Fukuoka (2008), previously contained five nominal species. In this study we describe five new species in the brevicaudata group: S. bassi sp. nov. from the Bass Strait, southern Australia, S. occulta sp. nov. from the Arabian Gulf, S. muranoi sp. nov. from the coast of Northern Territory, Australia, S. tabaniocula sp. nov. from Ningaloo Reef of Western Australia and Lodestone Reef off Queensland, and S. talbotae sp. nov. from Lizard Island, Queensland, Australia. Furthermore, Siriella hanseni W.M. Tattersall, 1922 from India and S. vincenti W.M. Tattersall, 1927 from South Australia are redescribed based on re-examination of their type material. A re-examination of specimens subsequently attributed to these two species from other geographical regions showed that these were misidentifications, partly representing three of the new species described herein. Siriella gibbosa (Ledoyer, 1970), which was previously synonymized with S. brevicaudata Paulson, 1875 by Bačescu, is revalidated and included within the brevicaudata group. Siriella lacertilis Talbot, 2009, from Lizard Island, is placed within the brevicaudata group. Diagnostic features for all the members of the group and the group itself are updated. As a result of the present study, the brevicaudata group now comprises 12 valid species.
Feasibility of Multipoint Press with Continuously Divisional Forming for Double Curvature Plates in Shipbuilding
Authors: Hwang Se-Yun , Lee Jang-Hyun
Published: April 2018

This article introduces a mechanical forming technique using a set of multipoint press forming (MPF) steps to obtain a curved hull plate. Given only the geometry of the desired surface, the integrated MPF system can generate the punch strokes required by various geometries of hull surfaces without the need for solid dies. The divisional MPF-forming technique can form double-curvature surfaces since the discrete die surface is constructed by changing the strokes of the double-sided reconfigurable multiple presses. The spring-back phenomena after unloading can be successfully compensated for by a combination of finite element analysis (FEA) and the displacement adjustment method. The deformation history of a moving plate on each division was simulated while carefully considering the movement toward a contacting boundary. The displacement adjustment iterates the calculation of punch strokes based on the deformed geometry simulated by FEA, which was used to simulate the spring-back of the plate. The strokes are determined by an iterative process of sequential pressing. A nonlinear shell element was used to deal with the elasto-plastic state and contact problems at the tool-metal interfaces. The appropriate stroke is calculated for each punch for both the initial and corrective forming processes. Experiments were performed to validate the configuration of the spring-back compensation, divisional forming and the integrated system. The predicted punch stroke in the displacement adjustment shows good agreement with the experimental results.

1. Introduction

The bow and stern sections of a ship have double-curvature surfaces, whereas the parallel midship section is characterized by flat and cylindrical plates. Double-curvature surfaces are currently formed using the line heating method, in which the forming quality and geometrical precision depend on the thermal elasto-plastic deformation behavior. Gas-flame and high-frequency induction heating have been successfully used to provide the heat needed for thermal bending (Shin et al. 2003; Shin & Lee 2002; Nomoto et al. 1990; Jang et al. 2002). However, it is difficult to control the residual deformation of thermal bending because it is not easy to control the plastic strain distribution, which is coupled with the heat input.
Optimum Design of Lug Arrangement Based on Static and Dynamic Analyses for Block Lifting
Authors: Lee Sung-Min , Roh Myung-II , Kim Ki-Su , Ham Seung-Ho
Published: April 2018

In a shipyard, special equipment called lugs are used for lifting blocks by using a crane. During lifting, the motions of the crane and the block are determined by the lug arrangement. In this study, a method for the lug arrangement is proposed to achieve safe block lifting. For this, an optimization problem for the lug arrangement is mathematically formulated and solved by using the multiobjective genetic algorithm. Static and dynamic motion analyses are then introduced to calculate the block motion. To check the applicability of the proposed method, it is applied to examples of the lug arrangement in a shipyard.

1. Introduction

When constructing a ship or an offshore structure, many blocks or modules are routinely transported and lifted to be assembled in the shipyard. Recently, these blocks have become more complicated and larger than in the past, in order to improve productivity. For this reason, shipyards are now equipped with lifting processes that operate more sophisticated and heavier blocks. Figure 1 shows the procedure of the lifting process.

This process is executed in the order of hoisting, moving, and lowering. To perform the lifting process for heavy blocks, a range of equipment is used. Among them, a gantry crane (or Goliath crane) is one of the main types of equipment used for lifting the blocks from the preerection area to the dock or to a specific position. The gantry crane consists of several types of subequipment (Roh & Lee 2010).

Figure 2 shows the lifting system including a gantry crane, its subequipment, and a block. special subequipment called lugs are attached to the block and the lugs act as an interaction point between the block and the crane. A hook is connected to the lug with a sling wire, and the sling wire transmits tension acting on a block loader. The block loader distributes the tension evenly on sling wires and moving sheaves (simply and sheaves). The main wire transmits tension acting on a trolley. The trolley holds the block loader and moves along the crane. in general, the gantry crane has three block loaders and each block loader has 14 sheaves.