bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementación de un sistema de transmisión inalámbrica de energía eléctrica a través de acoplamiento resonante magnético de campo cercano para dispositivos de bajo consumo de potencia
Authors: Vinueza Coba Jaime Rodrigo , Mayorga Arias Monica Alexandra , Zabala Haro Monica Andrea , Santacruz Sulca Fabricio Javier , Ribadeneira Ramirez Jefferson Alexander
Published: June 2018

La presente investigación, expone un método alternativo de alimentación eléctrica a través del uso de resonancia magnética. Se utilizaron métodos matemáticos probados en anteriores aportes investigativos para el diseño de las antenas encargadas de la transmisión inalámbrica de energía con tecnología microstrip, sobre una placa FR4, además, se hace uso de circuitos integrados con tecnología MMIC para la generación y amplificación de ondas de radio – frecuencia en el rango de los 16 MHz a 23 MHz como fuente de energía. En la fase de recepción se utiliza un circuito doblador de voltaje de 3 etapas con el propósito de rectificar y amplificar la señal recibida. Los resultados obtenidos en la implementación del sistema, demuestran una recepción de la energía recibida entre el 20% y 30% del total transmitido, para distancias comprendidas entre 10 y 90 milímetros. entre las antenas sin obstáculos. Ésta investigación indica que es factible utilizar energía inalámbrica para cargar dispositivos de bajo consumo de potencia, comprobando que, con obstáculos, decae ínfimamente la eficiencia del sistema al atravesar materiales como aglomerado, plástico, vidrio, poli estireno expandido, tela y madera, perdiendo totalmente el rendimiento con metal.
The analysis of usefulness of locations on the basis of spring barley trials
Authors: Zawieja Bogna , Bichoński Andrzej , Grala-Michalak Jolanta
Published: June 2018

The purpose of breeding experiments is to predict the best yielding lines to be registered. Unfortunately, the results obtained in different locations and years are often different. The main objective of this study was the evaluation and choice of experimental locations. The methods used included ANOVA, Andrews’ curves, PCA, cluster analysis, coefficients of usefulness and heritability coefficients. The experimental data are derived from prepreliminary and preliminary breeding experiments with spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), malting and fodder, conducted in the period from 2008 to 2013 at six experimental stations in Poland. The results showed that some of the locations were similar in respect of the analyzed coefficients, while some locations were unique. The most valuable locations were indicated as those which have the greatest contribution to the interaction and the greatest usefulness (the lowest joint usefulness coefficient). This is because, at the last stage of new variety cultivation, when new varieties are to be registered, they are evaluated in more variable experimental environments.
Genotype-by-environment interaction for seed glucosinolate content in winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) using an additive main effects and multiplicative interaction model
Authors: Bocianowski Jan , Nowosad Kamila , Liersch Alina , Popławska Wiesława , Łącka Agnieszka
Published: June 2018

The objective of this study was to assess genotype-by-environment interaction for seed glucosinolate content in winter rapeseed cultivars grown in western Poland using the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction model. The study concerned 25 winter rapeseed genotypes (15 F1 CMS ogura hybrids, parental lines and two European cultivars: open pollinated Californium and F1 hybrid Hercules), evaluated at five locations in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. The seed glucosinolate content of the tested genotypes ranged from 5.53 to 16.80 μmol∙g-1 of seeds, with an average of 10.26 μmol∙g-1. In the AMMI analyses, 48.67% of the seed glucosinolate content variation was explained by environment, 13.07% by differences between genotypes, and 17.56% by genotype-by-environment interaction. The hybrid PN66×PN07 is recommended for further inclusion in the breeding program due to its low average seed glucosinolate content; the restorer line PN18, CMS ogura line PN66 and hybrids PN66×PN18 and PN66×PN21 are recommended because of their stability and low seed glucosinolate content.
Bioactive compounds and medicinal properties of Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus sp.)
Authors: Golak-Siwulska Iwona , Kałużewicz Alina , Spiżewski Tomasz , Siwulski Marek , Sobieralski Krzysztof
Published: June 2018

There are about 40 species in the Pleurotus genus, including those with high economic significance, i.e. P. ostreatus and P. pulmonarius. The fruiting bodies of oyster mushrooms are of high nutritional and health-promoting value. In addition, many species belonging to the Pleurotus genus have been used as sources of substances with documented medicinal properties, such as high-molecular weight bioactive compounds (polysaccharides, peptides and proteins) and low-molecular weight compounds (terpenoids, fatty acid esters and polyphenols). The bioactive substances contained in the mycelium and fruiting bodies of Pleurotus species exhibit immunostimulatory, anti-neoplastic, anti-diabetic, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-oxidative properties. Their multidirectional positive influence on the human organism is the result of interaction of bioactive substances. Extracts from individual Pleurotus species can be used for the production of dietary supplements increasing the organism’s immunity. They are also used for the production of cosmetics. They can be added to functional foods as probiotics, or used as natural preservatives or ingredients of special foodstuffs for patients with specific diseases.
Flowering and Nectar Secretion in two Forms of the Moldavian Dragonhead (Dracocephalum moldavica L.) – A Plant with Extraordinary Apicultural Potential
Authors: Dmitruk Marta , Weryszko-Chmielewska Elżbieta , Sulborska Aneta
Published: June 2018

Dracocephalum moldavica is a valuable reward plant for flower visitors. The aim of the study was to ecologically characterise its flowers and leaves and assess the seasonal and daily dynamics of flowering in two white- and blue-flowered forms of this species in 2004 and 2005. Additionally, the duration and abundance of plant flowering as well as the nectar amount and sugar content were analysed. The signalling attractants of the plant include an intense scent emitted by trichomes located not only on its flowers but also on its stem and leaf surfaces. The average corolla length is 24 mm and the corolla tube, which can be completely filled with nectar, is 8.6 mm long. The floral lifespan was shown to reach 2-3 days and the mean blooming duration of both forms of dragonhead 45-48 days. The white-flowered plants produced a substantially greater number of flowers (5352) than the blue-flowered form (2965). The nectar amount obtained from ten blue flowers was 15.33 mg and that extracted from white flowers reached 17.56 mg, with 49.4% and 51.5% content of sugar, respectively. The total sugar mass produced by one white-flowered plant was 4656 mg, while one blue-flowered plant yielded 2164 mg of sugars. The sugar yield calculated in the study for the white-flowered form (586 kg · ha−1) was two-fold higher than that in the blue-flowered plants.
Dioxin Analysis of Bee Pollen Pellets Collected by Apis mellifera L. in Rural Area of Turkey
Authors: Özkök Aslı , Çakıroğulları Gül Çelik , Sorkun Kadriye , Yağlı Hatice Gür , Alsan İbrahim , Bektaş Berkay , Kılıç Devrim
Published: June 2018

Bee pollen, an important bee product, is harvested as a food supplement for humans, so it must be safe in terms of toxic components for consumption. The aim of this study is to determine the amounts of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) and non dioxin-like PCBs (ndl-PCBs) in the bee pollen pellets of Apis mellifera L. collected from Çankırı, located in the central Anatolia region of Turkey, between June and July 2014. Six types of pollen belonging to four families: Centaurea triumfettii L. - Asteraceae family; Brassica spp. L. - Brassicaceae family; Cistus spp. L. - Cistaceae family; Onobrychis spp. L., Hedysarum spp. L. and Trifolium spp. L. - Fabaceae family, were determined through microscopic analysis. Dioxin and PCB congeners were determined in a pooled bee pollen sample and all the results were found lower than the European Union regulatory limits for other foods. To the best of our knowledge, this is among the first studies on dioxin analysis in bee pollen worldwide.
Royal Jelly Aliphatic Acids Contribute to Antimicrobial Activity of Honey
Authors: Isidorow Walerij , Witkowski Stanisław , Iwaniuk Piotr , Zambrzycka Monika , Swiecicka Izabela
Published: June 2018

Honey is valued for its therapeutic qualities which are attributed among others to its antibacterial multifactorial properties. However, all the factors that influence these properties have not been identified. The present study is focused on the antibacterial action of fatty acids originating from royal jelly, the larval food of honeybees. Aliphatic C8-C12 acids characteristic of this bee product had previously been identified in more than fifty different samples of honey originating from seven countries and in eleven samples of Polish herbhoney. Experiments were performed to ascertain the influence of acidity on the antimicrobial activity of the acids. In acidic nutrient media all tested aliphatic hydroxyacids and unsaturated dicarboxylic acids demonstrated antibacterial action against different microbes with minimal inhibitory concentrations between 0.048 and 3.125 mM. Our results confirm that part of the antibacterial activity of honey contributes to these compounds of bee origin.
Microbiological Contamination of Honeys from Different Sources in Turkey
Authors: Borum Ayse E. , Gunes Mesut E.
Published: June 2018

Honey samples obtained by beekeepers taken from thirty-five different apiaries in Turkey’s region of Marmara were investigated for the presence of microorganism. Each honey sample was examined for the number of total aerobic mesofilic bacteria, coliforms, moulds and yeasts and the presence of Salmonella spp., Clostridium botulinum, along with other aerobic bacteriae such as Paenibacillus larvae and Melissococcus plutonius. In total, fifty-four honey samples of different botanical origins including unifloral (Umbelliferae, Leguminosae, Trifolium, Onobrychis), multifloral and chestnut were evaluated in the means of microbiological properties. Microorganisms were isolated in twenty-eight samples (60.86%) of pure cultures and eighteen samples (39.13%) of mixed cultures. On the other hand, no microorganisms were isolated in eight samples. Bacillus spp, Corynebacterium spp., Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp. C. albicans and Penicillium spp. were isolated and identified in other honey samples. The bacteria counts were 4×102 - 1.4×103 cfu/g for aerobic mesofilic bacteria and 1-185 cfu/g for the fungi. The application of sanitary practices (hand washing, avoidance of sneezing or coughing, etc.) may be effective in controlling contamination by microorganisms. On the other hand, air, equipment and dust may be contributing causes of microbiological contamination. Therefore it is important to take precautions in order to avoid such contamination, even though such factors are often difficult to control.
Temporal and Spatial Patterns of Honeybee Colony Winter Losses in Poland from Autumn 2006 to Spring 2012; Survey Based on Self-Selected Samples
Authors: Topolska Grażyna , Gajda Anna , Imińska Urszula
Published: June 2018

Estimations of honeybee colony winter losses in Poland have been carried out at Warsaw University of Life Sciences since 2008 (in 2008 they concerned the two winters of 2006/07 and 2007/08), using a preliminary questionnaire in 2008 and the standardized COLOSS questionnaire since 2009. During the first years of the survey, concerning the period of autumn 2006 - spring 2012, the multimode method of data collection was used, and beekeepers sent in between 393 and 769 questionnaires a year. Overall, the number of participants increased, but in particular voivodeships it fluctuated. The estimated overall winter colony loss in Poland was low during the winter of 2006/07 (10%) and quite low during the winter of 2008/09 (11.5%). In other years it was substantially higher reaching 15.2% in 2007/08, 14.8% 2009/10, as much as 18.3% in 2010/11 and then down to 15.8% in 2011/12. A similar pattern of average losses was observed, but each year, excluding the winter of 2010/11, at least 50% of beekeepers reported acceptable losses of only up to 10%. During the analysis of the spatial pattern of overall losses, some data which could blur the pattern were eliminated. The results suggest that such climatic factors as a warm autumn but also high summer precipitation, followed by low winter temperatures influenced the spatial distribution of the losses.
Methodological Approaches to Pupils’ Ecological Culture Education
Authors: Sovhira Svitlana , Dushechkina Nataliia
Published: June 2018

The methodological approaches to pupils’ ecological culture education such as axiological and cultural had been revealed in the article.

Theoretical methods: analysis and generalization of literature on the research problem; empiric: observation, conversation, pedagogical experiment were used in the process of research.

Based on the use of the above methods it was stated that axiology can consider the problem of the relationship between man and nature from the perspective of values, learn the range of ecological values occuring in human activities, carry out an educational influence on the formation of ecological culture. It was investigated that in terms of axiological approach, values are correlated with various aspects of human nature (the spiritual, moral, psychological, and biological).

The purpose of the article is to reveal the main methodological approaches (axiological and culturological) and apply them for the development of technology for raising the ecological culture of pupils.

Materials of the research can be used for raising the ecological culture of of pupils in secondary schools and out-of-school educational institutions, will become the basis of educational and methodical publications on the education of pupils’ environmental culture, can be used by of pupils’ self-government and class leaders in educational work with pupils.

It was revealed that the cultural approach to pupils’ ecological culture education allows determining the ratio of the ecological culture to the general and spiritual culture, considering the relationship between three social and natural subjects: people, culture, and nature. It was proved that the methodological approaches (axiological and cultural) substantiate the updating of environmental education component, ecological culture development goals, ideas of humanization and humanitarization of education, understanding of the crucial role of culture towards nature, ecological imperative of ecological culture in solving global environmental problems. Taking into consideration the above mentioned, the effectiveness of pupils’ ecological culture education technology had been developed and proved.
Predation Risk by Gastronomic Boom - Case Peru
Authors: Alvarez-Risco Aldo , Delgado-Zegarra Jaime , Yáñez Jaime A. , Diaz-Risco Santiago , Del-Aguila-Arcentales Shyla
Published: June 2018

The growth of tourism to Peru and the gastronomic boom with millions of people looking to taste Peruvian food is resulting in a risk of predation of natural sources necessary to make these dishes. The focus in only obtaining these ingredients can generate significant damage to the Peruvian biodiversity, so stakeholders need to develop strategies to avoid predation due to the gastronomic boom. Citizens and visitors need to play a role in protecting the natural resources and contributing to environmental sustainability.
Does Latvia Matter in Regional Geopolitics?
Authors: Lamoreaux Jeremy W. , Dyerly Nicholas
Published: June 2018

As early as 1994, scholars, analysts and policymakers began to wonder the extent to which the Baltic States mattered in the relationship between Russia and the West. The general consensus for the following 20 years was that the Baltic States matter considerably, especially following their inclusion in both the EU and NATO in 2004. However, in the past few years two trends have emerged which begin to call this accepted knowledge into question. First, the relationship between Russia and the West has turned more hostile following nearly 20 years of detente. The West insists (especially NATO) insists that it is within its right to protect states that were formerly part of the Soviet Union/Russia’s “near abroad”. Russia, on the other hand, insists that NATO incursion into the “shared neighborhood” is a violation of trust and overstepping normal geopolitical bounds.

Second, the Baltic States who once presented something of a united front for the West against Russia, no longer appear to have a common approach to foreign policy. While Estonia leans toward Scandinavia, and Lithuania leans toward Poland and Ukraine, Latvia is a bit of an odd man out with nowhere to turn. Furthermore, even other states in the Shared Neighborhood no longer seem to see Latvia as a valuable ally within the West. Considering this state of affairs, this paper considers whether Latvia matters anymore in regional geopolitics, or whether they are losing relevance.
The Consequences of Perceived (In)security and Possible Coping Strategies of Lithuanian People in the Context of External Military Threats
Authors: Gečienė-Janulionė Ingrida
Published: June 2018

In recent years, Lithuania’s changing geopolitical environment because of the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine has increased the potential military threat that inevitably affects the subjective perception of security of the population. Based on the data from representative surveys and interviews conducted in 2014 and 2016, the article examines Lithuanians’ subjective perception of external military threats in the new geopolitical context, the impact of this perception on their coping strategies and the factors that have an impact on the selection of these strategies. The article is based on Buzan’s (1983, 1991, 2007) theoretical insights into subjective security and the sociological subjective security analysis approach of Inglehart and Norris (2012), applying it to the practically unexplored subjective response (strategies chosen by individuals) to the research into the field of military threat field. These two theoretical approaches allow the analysis of how a country’s population comprehends threats to its security amid a changing geopolitical context and the examination of the impact of different groups and approaches in society when selecting coping strategies. The article argues that the perception of security changes over time, as following the events that created the feeling of insecurity in the first place, the feeling of security again starts to rise gradually. In addition, knowledge of not only the current geopolitical context but also the historical experience is important, as in societies that have undergone radical political transformations, attitudes towards the existing democratic and former Soviet regimes play a rather major part in determining subjective security. The subjective security of different social groups and their selected coping strategies also differ, as it is the most vulnerable social groups that feel least safe. The least vulnerable social groups are most inclined to defend their country, whereas more vulnerable groups choose to be passive or to look after themselves and their families first and foremost.
’Belarus – a significant chess piece on the chessboard of regional security
Authors: Piss Piotr
Published: June 2018

Belarus is often considered as ‘the last authoritarian state in Europe’ or the ‘last Soviet Republic’. Belarusian policies are not a popular research topic. Over the past years, the country has made headlines mostly as a regime violating human rights. Since the Russian aggression on Ukraine, Belarus has been getting renewed attention. Minsk was the scene of a series of talks that aim at stopping the ongoing war in Ukraine. Western media, scholars and society got a reminder that Eastern Europe was not a conflict-free zone. This article puts military security policy of Belarus into perspective by showing that Belarus ‘per se’ is not a threat for neighboring countries; Belarus dependency towards Russia is huge; thus, Minsk has a small capability to run its own independent security policy; military potential of Belarus is significant in the region, but gap in equipment and training between NATO and Belarus is really more; it is in the interest of Western countries to keep the Lukashenko’s regime in Belarus.
Acute Response to Endurance Exercise Stress: Focus on Catabolic/Anabolic Interplay Between Cortisol, Testosterone, and Sex Hormone Binding Globulin in Professional Athletes
Authors: Popovic Bojana , Popovic Dejana , Macut Djuro , Antic Ivana Bozic , Isailovic Tatjana , Ognjanovic Sanja , Bogavac Tamara , Kovacevic Valentina Elezovic , Ilic Dusan , Petrovic Mirjana , Damjanovic Svetozar
Published: June 2018

Background: Endocrine system plays a major role in both permissive and regulatory activities in order to adequately respond to physical stress of exercise. But level and direction of activation depend on many factors and are not easily interpreted.

Methods: We tested a group of male professional athletes (21 water polo players and 15 wrestlers), together with 20 sedentary controls matched by age. All participants took a continuous progressive exercise stress test on a treadmill until exhaustion and plateau of oxygen consumption (VO2). Blood samples for cortisol, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and testosterone were drawn in four time points: baseline (B), start of the test (S), point of maximal strain (MAX) and in the 3rd minute of recovery period (R).

Results: Cortisol levels significantly increased in both groups, but the response between S and MAX was more pronounced in controls (p=0.036). The athletes had significantly higher levels of cortisol in all points in test, except during R (p=0.118), when their cortisol levels gradually started to decline. Significant increase in total testosterone was in great deal a consequence of increase in SHBG level (p<0.01 for both). Consequently, calculated free testosterone significantly decreased during test (p=0.008), and the drop was more pronounced in athletes. This was in concordance with significant correlation between SHBG and cortisol level demonstrated in athletes, but not in controls.

Conclusions: It seems that high intensity endurance exercise favors catabolic response, but the level of response highly depends on a previous level of training.
Clinical Significance of Increased Serum Neopterin in Chronic Kidney Failure as a Biomarker of Cell-Mediated Immunity
Authors: Ünüvar Songül , Aslanhan Hamza
Published: June 2018

Background: Neopterin is a pyrazino-pyrimidine compound which is used as a marker of cell-mediated immunity in a variety of diseases. It is known that neopterin levels increase in diseases where interferon-gamma (IFN-g) stimulation is present, and also as a result of deficiencies in renal function, given that the primary means of elimination of neopterin is through the kidneys. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of increased neopterin levels as a prognostic biomarker in patients with impaired renal function.

Methods: A total of 90 individuals including 63 patients with chronic kidney failure (CKF) and 27 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Serum neopterin concentrations were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A Mann-Whitney U test and a Pearson Correlation Test were used in the statistical analysis, with a p value of <0.05 being considered statistically significant.

Results: The mean age was 52.21±0.16 years in the patient group and 56.55±0.32 years in the control group. In the CKF patients, serum neopterin levels increased to a significantly greater degree than in the control group (p<0.001), while no statistically significant correlation was identified between serum neopterin levels and age (p>0.05).

Conclusions: A significant increase was found in the serum neopterin levels in the CKF patients, due to both the triggering of the disease and the reduction of neopterin elimination.
Führungsethik Sozialer Marktwirtschaft Ein systematischer Leitfaden für eine Mikro-Marko-Perspektive
Authors: Nass Elmar
Published: June 2018

Ein Leitfaden wird als Modell vorgestellt, mit dessen Hilfe Führungsethik von Führungstheorie unterschieden und eine an den Wertegrundlagen Sozialer Marktwirtschaft orientierte Führungsethik identifiziert werden kann. Theoretische Konzepte lassen sich mit dieser Makro-Mikro-Perspektive daraufhin überprüfen, ob sie einen Verantwortungsdualismus von Effizienz- und Humanziel in der Führungskultur schlüssig bestimmen. Mithilfe von vorgeschlagenen Prinzipien und Perspektiven kann so in vier Schritten eine Führungsethik in der normativen Linie Sozialer Marktwirtschaft von davon abweichenden Modellen unterschieden werden.
Ludwig Erhards Konzept der sozialen Marktwirtschaft und seine wettbewerbstheoretischen Grundlagen
Authors: Rhonheimer Martin
Published: June 2018

Erhards Konzeption einer sozialen Marktwirtschaft durch marktwirtschaftlichen Wettbewerb ist auch heute noch wegweisend. Doch wurde die Idee des Sozialen im Programm der Sozialen Marktwirtschaft mit der Zeit verfälscht. Zudem beruht Erhards Konzept auf einer wettbewerbstheoretischen Grundlage – dem neoklassischen Modell der vollständigen Konkurrenz –, die seinen wohlstandsfördernden Intentionen zuwiderläuft. Erhards Position stimmte mit derjenigen der Freiburger Schule (Walter Eucken, Franz Böhm) nur teilweise überein, unterscheidet sich aber ebenso in wesentlichen Punkten vom Denken der Österreichischen Schule der National-ökonomie (Ludwig von Mises, Friedrich August Hayek) und deren dynamisch-evolutionärem Verständnis von Wettbewerb. Gerade für eine im Sinne Erhards wettbewerbsorientierte Konzeption der Sozialen Marktwirtschaft erscheint das Österreichische Verständnis von Wettbewerb als das realitätsnähere und adäquatere.
Transportation Factors in the Distribution of Agricultural Produce to Urban Center in Nigeria
Authors: Joseph Afolabi Oluwaseyi , Adedamola Oluwaji Olalekan , Alice Onifade Temitayo
Published: June 2018

This research analyzed the transportation factors in the distribution of agricultural produce in ljebu north local government area of Ogun State. A total of 100 questionnaires were randomly and purposively distributed to transporters in Ijebu North local government Area, while 95 were collected and analyzed. The field survey revealed that 94 of the respondents representing 98.9% are male, 1 of the respondents representing 1.1% is female. Estimated income of transport operators from field survey revealed that 16 of the respondent representing 16.8% earned below N5, 000, 11 of the respondent representing 11.6% earned between N5, 001 and N10,000, 35 of the respondent representing 36.8% earned between N10,001 and N20,000. 25(26.3%) earn between N20,001 and N30,000, 8(8.4%) earn above N30,000.Observation from the field survey also shown that 5(5.3%) transporter revealed that they operate with buses, 18(18.9%) transporters revealed that they operate with station wagon, 39(41.1%) transporters revealed that they operate with pick-up van, 20(21.1%) transporters revealed that they operate with saloon car while 13.7% transporters revealed that they operate with other means. Finding shows that combination of food crops, cash crops, tubers, poultry, fruits, vegetables and poultry product dominate Ijebu North Local Government Area in which farmers combined cultivation of those crops. Roads in the study area are in a deplorable condition, the type of vehicle used by farmers and traders depend on the volume of the agricultural produce.
Vehicle Planetary Gearbox Simulation
Authors: Gajdosik Tomas , Brumercik Frantisek , Lukac Michal , Drozdziel Pawel
Published: June 2018

This article is about design and calculation of planetary gearbox which can be used in transport applications. The gearbox is designed with respect to the input parameters. The gearbox has two planetary gears. The model of gearbox is created in Simscape Driveline software containing blocks which represent the key components of the gearbox. There is also a kinematic analysis performed and confronted with the simulation results.
The Position of Industry 4.0 in the Worldwide Logistics Chains
Authors: Bukova Bibiana , Brumercikova Eva , Cerna Lenka , Drozdziel Pawel
Published: June 2018

Optimisation and stimulation of production, digital business, the fourth industrial revolution - this is how the current global economy is perceived. Continuous development of new information and communication technologies, economic globalisation, integration of financial markets, growing pressure on boosting higher added value, just as well as the ever- increasing differentiation of demand schemes became a challenge for the global economy. The article elaborates on the implementation of Industry 4.0 in the logistics, logistic chains as well as use of the Industry 4.0 in logistics. The article includes a new definition of logistics due to the Industry 4.0, which extends the basic production factors by a new term - „information“.
Using of Sensitivity Analysis in Road Transport Pricing
Authors: Ježek Jindřich , Nožička Jiří , Török Árpád
Published: June 2018

The paper deals with the issue of sensitivity analysis and its possible use in price formation in passenger road transport. The input variables are selected on the model example. Based on the calculation, the sensitivity of the output to these input variables is determined, and the question how these inputs affect the overall result is answered.
Tools for Sharing and Transferring Information in the Field of Logistics
Authors: Kalenský Jiří , Antoni Alfonz
Published: June 2018

Manuscript presents possible tools for sharing and transferring information in the field of logistics. Initial parts of the paper describe the need of a comprehensive logistics portal within entities operating in the Central Europe as well as outline various information regarding marketing tools for sharing and transferring information. Next part of the paper deals with the importance of mass media in terms of logistics. The most important chapter characterizes individual stages of the CELP project (Central European Logistics Portal) during its realization especially in relation to the logistics issues.
The Analysis of Logistic Chains from China to the European Union Countries
Authors: Klapita Vladimír , Liu Xiquan
Published: June 2018

The article analyzes possibilities of alternative routes of logistics chains between China and Europe. The new routes should shorten up the transportation time and alleviate the current flows through the big European ports, nevertheless, simultaneously, ensure to preserve other qualitative as well as economic parameters.
How do Today's Modern Passenger Cars Brake?
Authors: Ondruš Ján , Kohút Pavol , Jurina Rastislav , Brösdorf Klaus - Dieter
Published: June 2018

The article deals with issues of vehicle braking from different points of view. We made repeated braking tests of modern vehicles during intensive braking on various asphalt surfaces with the goal to evaluate character of this random variable. We dedicated our attention also to the accuracy attainable using various measuring methods and equipment. Within measurement of braking deceleration we used low-end measuring device (mobile smartphone) and measuring devices most used in Slovakia (XL Meter™ Pro Gamma). The collected data were processed in the software XL Vision and evaluated by SW PC-Crash 10.9. Usable result from article is mainly measurement set of braking deceleration of current modern vehicles during intensive braking on various asphalt surfaces as well as evaluation of accuracy levels with respect to various used devices.
Uniform Market Conditions in Road Freight Transport
Authors: Šimurková Patrícia , Poliak Miloš , Hernandez Salvador
Published: June 2018

International road transport is a specific service within the frame of services provided in the European Union. It is because the conditions of being active on the market are influenced by the states where businessmen operate, but services can be provided throughout the whole year in other member states of the European Union. The aim of the contribution is to highlight the existing problems in international road freight transport sector. These problems persist despite the fact that market access was exempted from the national law of individual member states and regulated directly by EU regulations. The contribution identifies the factors that deform the equal operating conditions in single market.
Determining of Provable Loss in Municipal Bus Transport and Its Influence on Public Budgets in Sparsely Populated Areas of the Czech Republic
Authors: Telecký Martin , Čejka Jiří , Guchenko Mykola
Published: June 2018

This paper is aimed to compare two regulations concerned with the issue of determining the amount of a provable loss or, newly, a compensation, i.e. Government Decree No. 493/2004 Sb., regulating the provable loss in the public line transport and specifying the method of the exercise of the professional government supervision in the road transport over funding the traffic services, and Regulation No. 296/2010 Sb. on the procedures for establishing the financial model and setting the maximum amount of the compensation. Both regulations suggest the different methodology for determining the amount of compensation in a transport company for the accounting period. The goal is to analyse which methodology encourages the explanatory power of individual items of economically substantiated costs and revenues and whether it has a consistent influence on the final value of compensation. The question is raised of whether we can achieve the same or at least a similar amount of compensation if both methodologies of the provable loss or compensation calculation are applied in the municipal bus transport.
The Benefits of Business Ethics - Ethical Behavior of Decision Makers: the Empirical Findings from Croatia
Authors: Bulog Ivana , Grančić Ivan
Published: June 2018

More than ever before, the ability of managers to recognize and deal with complex business ethical issues has become a significant priority. Ethical behavior has always been a concern for managers because they are the ones that have major responsibility in company when it is about business ethics. Managers’ work is manly the work of making decisions. On a daily basis they are making decisions - big and small ones - on which company future depends. Interest in business ethics and ethical behavior is on the rise, especially in recent years when widespread moral corporate scandals have brought this topic to the fore. Therefore, the organizational environment demands effective managers - decision makers -with the ability to behave ethically and the ability to make right choices. There is no doubt that the ethical behavior of decision makers is of strategic importance for successful business. It could be acknowledged that among the numerous different factors that can determine a company’s progress, the key elements that contribute to a more successful achievement of company competitive advantage is the ethical behavior of managers. This paper aims at analyzing the benefits of business ethics and at identifying the ethical behavior of managers in a big company in Croatia. Qualitative research was conducted and interesting and somewhat puzzling results were found. Based on the overall findings, this research offers the foundation for future research in this area. The implications of the findings are discussed in terms of value for managers and their companies due to the improvement and development of business ethics and their ethical behavior.
Transparency of Taxpayers’ Rights and Obligations
Authors: Kryeziu Ramadan , Berisha Bahtijar , Imeri Sakip , Hasani Mustafe
Published: June 2018

Since the goal of tax system is based on self-declaration and voluntary compliance, with this study we intend to know on “Taxpayers’ Perceptions with regard of Tax Administration of Kosovo. We believe that most effective way to keep and enhance the voluntary compliance is through mutual trust and respect between TAK and Kosovo taxpayers.” This is the reason for the study and making recommendations on findings with a special emphasis on improvements of TAK services for the public, in order to fulfill expectations and to provide taxpayers with services they deserve. This work aims to identify the weaknesses and short-falls. Based on findings of this work through the survey with Kosovo taxpayers, we will recommend our ideas in order for the taxpayers to enjoy their legal rights and we will not allow for these rights to be violated in any form.
An Obligation to Represent and Disclose Material Facts as a Good Faith in Life Insurance Contract
Authors: Khoirul Mokhamad
Published: June 2018

This study aims to analyze an obligation of explaining and revealing material facts and identify any kinds of violation of good faith in life insurance contract. It uses several approaches including statute approach, comparative approach, and conceptual approach. The result defines material facts as any kinds of facts the insurer needs in order to make decision whether accepting or objecting the possible risks assigned. The insurer needs to accurately and completely know the insured’s personal data and medical records, including disease suffered, smoking habits, and even an extreme exercise habit such as paragliding. Kinds of violation probably done by the insured can be in the form of (1) misrepresentation, which includes giving incorrect statement but not intentionally conducted (i.e., innocent) and providing incorrect explanation intentionally (i.e., fraudulent) due to personal benefit; (2) non-disclosure, which includes neither revealing the facts nor telling any fundamental information other parties need to know, not due to deliberateness but rather probably due to ignorance or innocence, and intentionally hiding particular facts in order to get personal benefits (concealment).
Identity and Sense of Place of Ghajar Residents Living in Border Junction of Syria, Israel and Lebanon
Authors: Shmuel Shamai , Ali Shemali , Dennis Gorbatkin , Nadim Chativ , Halil Elachmad , Zinaida Ilatov
Published: June 2018

The study focuses on the sense of place among Ghajar inhabitants.Ghajar is unique in its geographical and ethnic status. It is located in the junction of Israel, Syria and Lebanon.The residents are the only Alawites under Israeli control and are isolated from their ethno-religious center in Syria. Two consecutive quantitative surveys and a qualitative study have been implemented: The first quantitative survey was aimed at determining a variety of aspects and attitudes of Ghajar residents towards Israel and towards their village. The second quantitative survey describes the national identity of the residents towards Israel, Lebanon, Syria, and Ghajar. The results represent complicated and instrumental feelings towards Israel, and a very clear and positive attachment toward Syria and towards their village.
Political Promises in the Perspectives of Islam and Its Implementation in Development Policy
Authors: Ritaudin M. Sidi
Published: June 2018

After the election, the mayor and vice mayor of Bandar Lampung should prepare strategic policies through medium-term development plan based on the political promises during the campaign period. This article discussed the issue on how the implementation of political promises of the mayor of Bandar Lampung. This research is a kind of media research, which is composed of the political promises recorded in the mass media. The analysis used in this research was a descriptive method and content analysis. The results showed that the political promises of Herman HN were generally carried out in accordance with his commitments. Although, there are were still many shortcomings, such as inaction and uneven development in Bandar Lampung city due to budget constraints and lack of coordination within the government itself as well as with representatives in Parliament. However, the people of Bandar Lampung are generally believed that their political promises are debt, which should be implemented during the period of his reign. Promises will be demanded by the people and all of which were recorded in the print media, in the Lampung Post, Tribune Lampung, and Radar Lampung.
Reconstructing Multiculturalism in Malaysia through Visual Culture
Authors: Yusof Noraini Md. , Esmaeil Z. J.
Published: June 2018

The terms ‘ethnicity’ and ‘race’ bear social and political importance in a multicultural society. Introduced in Malaysia by the British back in the colonial era, these terms have been influencing the politics of the state and everyday life of the grassroots. Since the early days of independence, Malaysia has been witnessing ethnic conflict and right from the very beginning of making a new Malaysia, the Malaysian governments have introduced concepts and plans to eradicate the ethnic conflict but it has not been very successful although the country boasts of its racial stability. Multiculturalism in Malaysia still remains an ambivalent nationalist project. In fact, the road to a collective national identity through multiculturalism is paradoxical. This paper examines how visual culture can help reconstruct a multicultural society and argues that Malaysia’s plan in creating a national identity will remain a myth as long as one ethnicity and its values are more important than other ethnicities. It also investigates whether a collective identity is really needed for a multicultural country such as Malaysia.
The Nigeria Led ECOMOG Military Intervention and Interest in the Sierra Leone Crisis: An Overview
Authors: Osakwe Chukwuma C.C. , Audu Bulus Nom
Published: June 2018

While Nigeria was under President Sani Abacha’s dictatorship, the democratic system was toppled in Sierra Leone by rebels but Abacha reversed the trend. The reasons for the largely unilateral and hasty decision to restore democracy in Sierra Leone by the Abacha regime remain controversial. Wide skepticism and condemnation greeted the decision to commit Nigerian troops, money and materials to a foreign operation at the expense of Nigeria’s fragile economy. The Nigeria Armed Forces consequently became the instrument for the pursuant of an aggressive foreign policy. The Economic Community of West Africa Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) hastily deployed to Sierra Leone just as it had previously done in Liberia amidst various operational and logistical problems. In terms of interests, Nigeria’s attempt to restore democracy in Sierra Leone was perceived to be contradictory both at home and abroad since Abacha’s regime itself was undemocratic and facing international isolation. The view that the Force was being used by the Abacha regime to pursue its own economic and political interest dampened the enthusiasm of regional and international organizations to provide financial and logistic support. Either way, the argument of this paper is that Nigeria’s unilateral military action in Sierra Leone was a reflection of her desire to score a quick military victory outside an Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) sub regional security legal framework but it failed woefully.
Dispute Resolution in the Implementation of Mining Exploration in Sumbawa
Authors: Salim H. S. , Nurjaya I Nyoman , Bakri Muhammad , Husni Anang
Published: June 2018

The present study aims to comprehensively describe, interpret, and analyze (1) factors causing the dispute between people of Labangkar and Ropang Village, Ropang District, Sumbawa Regency and PT Newmont Nusa Tenggara, and (2) the pattern of dispute resolution between people of Labangkar and Ropang Village, Ropang District, Sumbawa Regency and PT Newmont Nusa Tenggara. The study focused on empirical legal research and implemented legal anthropology as the approach. This study was conducted at Ropang and Labangkar Village, Ropang District, Sumbawa Regency. It used 12 people as sample. The data were analyzed qualitatively. Primary data were collected through in-depth interview with respondents using interview guides and a tape recorder as the instrument. Secondary data were obtained by collecting documents, such as the agreements which have been made by the parties, the status of Elang Dodo forest area, as well as the history of the land in Elang Dodo.
Impact of Fear of Identity Theft and Perceived Risk on Online Purchase Intention
Authors: Jordan Gašper , Leskovar Robert , Marič Miha
Published: June 2018

Background and Purpose: Online activities are present in almost every aspect of people’s daily lives. Online purchases are also increasing each year and therefore it is important to investigate what influences online purchase intentions. Online purchase intentions are among everything else, influenced by the fear of identity theft and perceived risk. Design/Methodology/Approach: The online survey was conducted among 190 participants from Slovenia. The relations between the constructs of fear of financial losses, fear of reputational damage, perceived risk and online purchase intention were investigated. Results: The research showed that the relations between the constructs of fear of financial losses, fear of reputational damage, perceived risk are positive and the relation between the constructs of perceived risk and online purchase intention were negative. All of the relations were statistically significant. Conclusion: Understanding the impact of fear of identity theft and perceived risk on online purchase intention can be helpful for online sellers, because with these findings they can manage this fear and perceived risk to increase online purchase intention and address the risks accordingly. Online sellers should therefore regard new findings from the field of online sales. If an online store wants to have success in sales, they should consider all sides of customers’ desires as well as their restraints.
Part-time Jobs: Opportunity or Obstacle? Case of the Moravian-Silesian Region
Authors: Čemerková Šárka , Šebestová Jarmila , Šperka Roman
Published: June 2018

cBackground and Purpose: Part-time employment could be seen as a modern form of employment or a type of innovative organizational change. The average share of part-time jobs in the Czech Republic in the observed period of 2004-2016 was 3.9 % according to the OECD, in comparison to the average OECD value of 16.6%. The main question to arise was, are there any regional differences? The presented conclusions are based on a regional study in the Moravian-Silesian Region (MSR) in the Czech Republic where the median value of part- time jobs is 10%. The main goal is to evaluate the regional level of part-time job offers and identify the main opportunities and obstacles which cause the low number of these job positions. Design/Methodology/Approach: The paper is based on a quantitative study using a questionnaire-based survey, comprising 215 respondents - owners of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Moravian-Silesian Region in the Czech Republic. The survey consists of 16 questions in three main areas: (i) Entrepreneurial motivation (1 item), (ii) External factors - Labour market problems (4 items), and (iii) Internal factors. Secondary information such as the results of earlier studies and regional government websites were used for data results comparison. All variables are compared in the context of the branch of business, number of employees, turnover, and age. Finally, a factor analysis was used to find the main way how to improve part-time job offers. Results: The variety of businesses and different regional locations opens up space for discussion regarding parttime job support. A factor analysis found five significant issues, which could affect local labour market and company behaviour. Conclusion: The added value of the paper can be seen in the factor identification, where internal willingness to support part-time employment and qualification growth as organizational change must be in first place.