bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CROSS–BORDER MERGERS – THE CONCEPT AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION INTO THE LEGAL ORDER OF THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC CEZHRANIČNÉ ZLÚČENIE ALEBO SPLYNUTIE
Authors: Lazíková Jarmila , Belková Lucia , Ilková Zuzana , Ďurkovičová Jana
Published: January 2014

Cross-border mergers are regulated by the Directive 2005/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 October 2005 on crossborder mergers of limited liability companies. This article deals with the issue of cross-border mergers of limited liability companies within the internal market of the European Union, more precisely it analyzes the question of the concept of a cross-border merger under the European Union law and its implementation into the national legal order of the Slovak Republic. The legal definition of a cross-border merger under the European Union law comprises three key conditions that must be met cumulatively: cross-border merger is applicable only for a business company formed in accordance with the law of an EU Member State, having its registered office, central administration or principal place of business within the Community, and at the same time business company must be in an eligible legal form and a cross-border element must be given.
EU LAW AND STATE AIDS IN AGRICULTURE
Authors: Janků Martin
Published: January 2014

Regulation of state aids form an integral part of the EU law from its very origin. Various special rules on provision of state aids were created as secondary law rules by the EU Council and EU Commission. They distinguish between horizontal and sectoral state aid. Horizontal aid concerns schemes potentially benefiting all undertakings regardless of their industry. Sectoral aid is targeted at specific industries or sectors. The paper deals with the legal framework of state aid rules in the agriculture sector. As first, it discusses the extent to which the State aid rules have been generally applied in the agriculture sector by the EU Council under Article 36 of the Treaty, together with the extent to which they have been specifically applied under the regulations which govern both the .common organizations of the market and rural development. Following chapter analyses the agriculture de minimis Regulation, which sets out circumstances in which agricultural aid is sufficiently small that Article 107/1 TFEU will be not applied. Thereafter the paper focuses on the provisions of the Agriculture Block Exemption Regulation and, finally, on agricultural aid that falls to be notified to the Commission as being authorized under the Agriculture Guidelines.
Determining the age of young birch (Betula pendula Roth) trees growing on former agricultural
Authors: Tkaczyk Miłosz , Tomusiak Robert
Published: January 2014

In Poland, according to the law (amendment of the act of 21st May 2010) – on the provision of information
on the environment and its protection, public participation in environmental protection and environmental impact
assessments etc. (Official Law Journal article 08.199.1227, as amended) – the owner can cut down trees without
permission, if they do not exceed the age of 10 years old. However, if an owner happens to cuts down a tree on his
property without knowing the age of the tree, he is liable to prosecution under this act.

The aim of this study is to verify whether there is a possibility to calculate the actual age of silver birch trees growing
on farmer agricultural lands using features that enable age of standing trees to be identified. Using these criteria,
owners would be able to calculate the age of trees on their own.

The research used 183 sample trees located on three research plots. For each tree, the dbh, height and prepared samples
of wood from the trees base were used to give the age of the tree. The relationship between age and dbh, as well as
between the age and the height was examined. The strength of correlation was compared and the strongest was used
in the proposed model. Using these correlations two types of charts were constructed to estimate the age of young
birches on the basis of dbh and height.
Statistical significance of displacements in heterogeneous control networks
Authors: Nowel Krzysztof , Kamiński Waldemar
Published: January 2014

This paper proposes a modification of the classical process for evaluating the statistical significance of displacements in the case of heterogeneous (e.g. linear-angular) control networks established to deformation measurements and analysis. The basis for the proposed solution is the idea of local variance factors. The theoretical discussion was complemented with an example of its application on a simulated horizontal control network. The obtained results showed that the evaluation of the statistical significance of displacements in the case of heterogeneous control networks should be carried out using estimators of local variance factors.
Investigating the links of internal and external reliability with the system conditionality in Gauss-Markov models with uncorrelated observations
Authors: Prószyński Witold
Published: January 2014

The relationship between internal response-based reliability and conditionality is investigated for Gauss-Markov (GM) models with uncorrelated observations. The models with design matrices of full rank and of incomplete rank are taken into consideration. The formulas based on the Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) of the design matrix are derived which clearly indicate that the investigated concepts are independent of each other. The methods are presented of constructing for a given design matrix the matrices equivalent with respect to internal response-based reliability as well as the matrices equivalent with respect to conditionality. To analyze conditionality of GM models, in general being inconsistent systems, a substitute for condition number commonly used in numerical linear algebra is developed, called a pseudo-condition^number. Also on the basis of the SVD a formula for external reliability is proposed, being the 2-norm of a vector of parameter distortions induced by minimal detectable error in a particular observation. For systems with equal nonzero singular values of the design matrix, the formula can be expressed in terms of the index of internal response-based reliability and the pseudo-condition^number. With these measures appearing in explicit form, the formula shows, although only for the above specific systems, the character of the impact of internal response-based reliability and conditionality of the model upon its external reliability. Proofs for complementary properties concerning the pseudo-condition^number and the 2-norm of parameter distortions in systems with minimal constraints are given in the Appendices. Numerical examples are provided to illustrate the theory.
A priori noise and regularization in least squares collocation of gravity anomalies
Authors: Jarmołowski Wojciech
Published: January 2014

The paper describes the estimation of covariance parameters in least squares collocation (LSC) by the cross-validation (CV) technique called leave-one-out (LOO). Two parameters of Gauss-Markov third order model (GM3) are estimated together with a priori noise standard deviation, which contributes significantly to the covariance matrix composed of the signal and noise. Numerical tests are performed using large set of Bouguer gravity anomalies located in the central part of the U.S. Around 103 000 gravity stations are available in the selected area. This dataset, together with regular grids generated from EGM2008 geopotential model, give an opportunity to work with various spatial resolutions of the data and heterogeneous variances of the signal and noise. This plays a crucial role in the numerical investigations, because the spatial resolution of the gravity data determines the number of gravity details that we may observe and model. This establishes a relation between the spatial resolution of the data and the resolution of the gravity field model. This relation is inspected in the article and compared to the regularization problem occurring frequently in data modeling.
TYPIFICATI ON AND CORRECTION OF SYNTAXA FROM THE CLASS MOLINIO-ARRHENATHERETEA TX. 1937 IN SERBIA
Authors: Aćić Svetlana , Šilc Urban , Lakušić Dmitar , Vukojičić Snežana , Stevanović Zora Dajić
Published: January 2014

A list of corrected and typified grassland communities of the class Molinio-Arrhenatheretea Tx. 1937 occurring in Serbia was provided. The nomenclature rules of the International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature were strictly followed. Syntaxonomic affiliation of communities to higher syntaxa was assessed according to the existing syntaxonomical schemes for Serbia, i.e. according to the position determined by the original source. Higher syntaxa followed the synsystem of the so-called “EuroVegChecklist”. Since syntaxonomic disagreements concerning a certain plant association’s position within the whole classification system have not been discussed, such a list should serve as the starting point for a further revision of the status of grassland communities in Serbia. So far, a total of 87 plant communities of the class Molinio-Arrhenatheretea were described for Serbia.

The list provided here will enable more precise and more accurate mapping of vegetation in Serbia, as well as classification of these communities into the Habitat Directive which will enable the establishment of the Red list of Habitats for Serbia.
An Efficient Method of Key-Frame Extraction Based on a Cluster Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Yu Shao-Pei , Zhou Dong-Sheng , Wei Xiao-Peng
Published: January 2014

This paper proposes a novel method of key-frame extraction for use with motion capture data. This method is based on an unsupervised cluster algorithm. First, the motion sequence is clustered into two classes by the similarity distance of the adjacent frames so that the thresholds needed in the next step can be determined adaptively. Second, a dynamic cluster algorithm called ISODATA is used to cluster all the frames and the frames nearest to the center of each class are automatically extracted as key-frames of the sequence. Unlike many other clustering techniques, the present improved cluster algorithm can automatically address different motion types without any need for specified parameters from users. The proposed method is capable of summarizing motion capture data reliably and efficiently. The present work also provides a meaningful comparison between the results of the proposed key-frame extraction technique and other previous methods. These results are evaluated in terms of metrics that measure reconstructed motion and the mean absolute error value, which are derived from the reconstructed data and the original data.
An Efficient Method of Key-Frame Extraction Based on a Cluster Algorithm
Authors: Moir Gavin L. , Graham Bruce W. , Davis Shala E. , Guers John J. , Witmer Chad A.
Published: January 2014

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of different configurations of repetitions within a set of deadlifts on the mechanical variables of concentric force, concentric time under tension, impulse, work, power, and fatigue. Eleven resistance trained men (age: 21.9 ± 1.0 years; deadlift 1 repetition maximum: 183.2 ± 38.3 kg) performed four repetitions of the deadlift exercise with a load equivalent to 90% of 1 repetition maximum under three different set configurations: Traditional (continuous repetitions); Doubles cluster (repetitions 1 and 2, and 3 and 4 performed continuously with a 30 s rest inserted between repetitions 2 and 3); Singles cluster (30 s rest provided between repetitions). The order of the sessions was counterbalanced across the subjects and the mechanical variables were calculated during each repetition from the synchronized signals recorded from force platforms and a motion analysis system. Relative to the Traditional set, the insertion of rest periods in the cluster set configurations resulted in greater time under tension (p < 0.001) and therefore, greater impulse (p < 0.001) during the repetitions. Reductions in power were observed during the cluster sets compared to the Traditional set (p = 0.001). The Doubles cluster set resulted in greater fatigue scores for power compared to the Traditional set (p = 0.04). The influence of cluster sets on mechanical variables appears to be mediated by the mechanical characteristics of the exercise (i.e. stretch-shortening cycle) and the competing physiological mechanisms of fatigue and potentiation.
Static vs. Dynamic Acute Stretching Effect on Quadriceps Muscle Activity during Soccer Instep Kicking
Authors: Amiri-Khorasani Mohammadtaghi , Kellis Eleftherios
Published: January 2014

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of static and dynamic stretching on quadriceps muscle activation during maximal soccer instep kicking. The kicking motion of twelve male college soccer players (body height: 174.66 ± 5.01 cm; body mass: 72.83 ± 4.83 kg; age: 18.83 ± 0.75 years) was captured using six synchronized high-speed infra-red cameras whilst electromyography (EMG) signals from vastus medialis (VM), lateralis (VL) and rectus femoris (RF) were recorded before and after static or dynamic stretching. Analysis of variance designs showed a higher increase in knee extension angular velocity (9.65% vs. -1.45%, p < 0.001), RF (37.5% vs. -8.33%, p < 0.001), VM (12% vs. - 12%, p < 0.018), and VL EMG activity (20% vs. -6.67%, p < 0.001) after dynamic stretching exercises. Based on these results, it could be suggested that dynamic stretching is probably more effective in increasing quadriceps muscle activity and knee extension angular velocity during the final swing phase of a maximal soccer instep kick than static stretching.
Kinematic Chains in Ski Jumping In-run Posture
Authors: Janurová Eva , Janura Miroslav , Cabell Lee , Svoboda Zdeněk , Vařeka Ivan , Elfmark Milan
Published: January 2014

The concept of kinematic chains has been systematically applied to biological systems since the 1950s. The course of a ski jump can be characterized as a change between closed and open kinematic chains. The purpose of this study was to determine a relationship between adjacent segments within the ski jumper’s body’s kinematic chain during the in-run phase of the ski jump. The in-run positions of 267 elite male ski jumpers who participated in the FIS World Cup events in Innsbruck, Austria, between 1992 and 2001 were analyzed (656 jumps). Two-dimensional (2-D) kinematic data were collected from the bodies of the subjects. Relationships between adjacent segments of the kinematic chain in the ski jumper’s body at the in-run position are greater nearer the chain’s ground contact. The coefficient of determination between the ankle and knee joint angles is 0.67. Changes in the segments’ positions in the kinematic chain of the ski jumper’s body are stable during longitudinal assessment. Changes in shank and thigh positions, in the sense of increase or decrease, are the same.
Validity of the ithleteTM Smart Phone Application for Determining Ultra-Short-Term Heart Rate Variability
Authors: Flatt Andrew A. , Esco Michael R.
Published: January 2014

The purpose of this investigation was to cross-validate the ithleteTM heart rate variability smart phone application with an electrocardiograph for determining ultra-short-term root mean square of successive R-R intervals. The root mean square of successive R-R intervals was simultaneously determined via electrocardiograph and ithleteTM at rest in twenty five healthy participants. There were no significant differences between the electrocardiograph and ithleteTM derived root mean square of successive R-R interval values (p > 0.05) and the correlation was near perfect (r = 0.99, p < 0.001). In addition, the ithleteTM revealed a Standard Error of the Estimate of 1.47 and Bland Altman plot showed that the limits of agreement ranged from 2.57 below to 2.63 above the constant error of -0.03. In conclusion, the ithleteTM appeared to provide a suitably accurate measure of root mean square of successive R-R intervals when compared to the electrocardiograph measures obtained in the laboratory within the current sample of healthy adult participants. The current study lays groundwork for future research determining the efficacy of ithleteTM for reflecting athletic training status over a chronic conditioning period.
Analysis of Cohesion and Collective Efficacy Profiles for the Performance of Soccer Players
Authors: Leo Francisco M. , Sánchez-Miguel Pedro A. , Sánchez-Oliva David , Amado Diana , García-Calvo Tomás
Published: January 2014

The principal aims of the study were to define different profiles of cohesion and perceived efficacy in soccer players and to measure their differences in performance. The subjects were 235 soccer players in the under-18 category who played in the National League in Spain and 15 coaches whose ages ranged from 29 to 45 years. Diverse instruments to assess cohesion, perceived efficacy, and expectations of success were used in the study. Moreover, we measured playing time and performance. The results of the study proved the existence of four cohesion and efficacy profiles that presented significant differences in expectations of success, playing time, and performance. Furthermore, significant differences were found in the distribution of players in the teams as a function of performance. The main conclusion of this study is that soccer players with higher cohesion and collective efficacy levels belonged to teams that completed the season at the top-level classification. In contrast, athletes with low cohesion and collective efficacy usually played in unsuccessful teams. Coaches and sports psychologists are encouraged to promote both social and task cohesion and collective efficacy to enhance team performance.
Practical Skills of Rhythmic Gymnastics Judges
Authors: Fernandez-Villarino Maria A. , Bobo-Arce Marta , Sierra-Palmeiro Elena
Published: January 2014

The aim of this study was to analyze the practical skills of rhythmic gymnastics judges and to identify how their degree and experience influence the assessment of these skills. Sixty one rhythmic gymnastics judges participated in the study. A questionnaire was used for data collection. This tool was composed of 28 questions and divided into six categories: identification, experience, initial training, continuing education, skills and training needs. The results suggest that the most valued skills are those related to the sport´s technical parameters and the ability to adapt to any level of competition with self-confidence and self-assuredness. Significant differences were found regarding the variables for: the ability to communicate (p = 0.002) and for the ability to observe, identify and register performance (p = 0.005). The results showed that experience was not a decisive factor in assessing skills. This study thus presents evidence that rhythmic gymnastics judges must implement and optimise a set of skills that contribute to the effectiveness of the assessment process. These findings might help in the design of programs and training models that contribute to effective professional development.
ON FARADAY INSTABILITY IN MAGNETIC LIQUIDS: INCE-ERDELYI APPROACH APPLIED TO THE HILL EQUATION DESCRIBING OSCILLATIONS OF A FERROFLUID FREE SURFACE
Authors: Hennenberg M. , Slavtchev S. , Valchev G.
Published: January 2014

When an isothermal ferrofluid is submitted to an oscillating magnetic field, the initially motionless liquid free surface can start to oscillate. This physical phenomenon is similar to the Faraday instability for usual Newtonian liquids subjected to a mechanical oscillation. In the present paper, we consider the magnetic field as a sum of a constant part and a time periodic part. Two different cases for the constant part of the field, being vertical in the first one or horizontal in the second one are studied. Assuming both ferrofluid magnetization and magnetic field to be collinear, we develop the linear stability analysis of the motionless reference state taking into account the Kelvin magnetic forces. The Laplace law describing the free surface deformation reduces to Hill’s equation, which is studied using the classical method of Ince and Erdelyi. Inside this framework, we obtain the transition conditions leading to the free surface oscillations.
ELASTIC PLASTIC PROPERTIES OF MULTIPHASE COMPOSITE BASED ON NON HOMOGENEOUS METAL MATRIX – MODELLING AND SIMULATION
Authors: Parashkevova Ludmila , Bontcheva Nikolina
Published: January 2014

A new approach for estimating the mechanical properties of multiphase composite is proposed. The Representative Volume Element (RVE) of the material consists of two different metal matrices and arbitrary number of elastic hardening phases. Multistep homogenization procedures are applied, accounting for influence of the constituent properties, sizes, volume fractions and microstructural distributions. Modified Mori-Tanaka homogenization technique for micropolar media and Budiansky self-consistent method are used for estimation the overall properties of the composite. The theoretical model is applied to description of the properties of precipitation hardening rapidly solidified alloy of the system AlFeVSi with high content of Fe and Si.
Assessment of a Low-Cost Portable Proportional Exhaust Sampling System for Gravimetric Particulate Matter Emissions Measurement
Authors: Vojtíšek Michal , Pechout Martin
Published: January 2014

Shrnutí

Částice obsažené ve výfukových plynech spalovacích motorů jsou jejich pro lidské zdraví nejvíce škodlivou složkou. Se snižující se celkovou hmotností emitovaných částic se zvyšují nároky na její měření, které vyžaduje plnoprůtočný ředicí tunnel nebo proporcionální vzorkovač s ředěním části toku s rychlou odezvou. Pro umožnění takových měření během jízdy vozidla a v méně vybavených laboratořích bylo vytvořeno nízkonákladové zařízení pro proporcionální vzorkování výfukových plynů. Zařízení využívá dvojici regulátorů hmotnostního průtoku, z nichž jeden dodává proměnlivé množství ředicího vzduchu do miniaturního ředicího tunelu, a druhý udržuje konstantní průtok směsi ředicího vzduchu a výfukových plynů přes filtr, na který jsou částice vzorkovány. Výsledky naměřené tímto systémem během dynamických jízdních cyklů jsou, po korekci systematického rozdílu, v rozmezí faktoru dvou od výsledků gravimetrické analýzy vzorků odebraných z klasického plnoprůtočného ředicího tunelu.
EXAMINATION OF THE CONCENTRATIONS OF SOME HEAVY METALS IN THE ORGANS OF TWO FISH SPECIES (PHOXINELLUS ANATOLICUS HANKO, 1924, CYPRINUS CARPIO LINNEAUS, 1758) TAKEN FROM SUĞLA LAKE
Authors: Akköz Cengiz , Çağlar Cemal
Published: January 2014

This research has been conducted to determine the heavy metal (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) accumulation in the fish species Carp (Cyprinus carpio Linneaus, 1758) and Fatty fish (Phoxinellus anatolicus Hanko, 1924) taken from Suğla Lake, which is one of the most important water sources of Konya. In this research, conducted in 2009-2010, the heavy metal accumulation was examined in the time span of one year seasonally. And it has been concluded at the end of the research that the heavy metal accumulations show statistical dramatic differences between the seasons (p<0,05).
RIGHT-ANGLE FLUORESCENCE SPECTROSCOPY FOR DIFFERENTIATION OF DISTILLED ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
Authors: Uríčková Veronika , Sádecká Jana , Májek Pavel
Published: January 2014

Total luminescence and synchronous scanning fluorescence spectroscopic techniques were investigated for differentiating brandies from mixed wine spirits. The studies were performed on 16 brandies from 3 different producers and 30 mixed wine spirits from 5 different producers. Differentiation between samples was accomplished by multivariate data analysis methods (principal component analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis, and linear discriminant analysis). Correct classification was obtained using emission spectra (400-650 nm) recorded at excitation wavelength 390 nm, excitation spectra (225-460 nm) obtained at emission wavelength 470 nm and synchronous fluorescence spectra (200-700 nm) collected at wavelength interval 80 nm. These results indicate that right-angle fluorescence spectroscopy offers a promising approach for the authentication of brandies as neither sample preparation nor special qualification of the personnel are required, and data acquisition and analysis are relatively simple when compared to front-face technique.
SYNTHESIS AND REACTIONS OF NEW DERIVATIVES OF FURO[3,2-b]PYRROLE
Authors: Zemanová Ivana , Gašparová Renata
Published: January 2014

Synthesis of methyl 4H-furo[3,2-b]pyrrole-5-carboxylate is taken place in two step synthesis. Vilsmeier-Haack reaction of 4H-furo[3,2-b]pyrrole-5-carboxylate 1 led to methyl 2-formyl-4H-furo[3,2- b]pyrrole-5-carboxylate 4, which served as starting compound for synthesis of furo[3,2-b]pyrrole-2- aldoxime 5 and methyl 2-[(4-oxo-2-thioxo-1,3-thiazolidin-5-ylidene)methyl]-4H-furo[3,2-b]pyrrole-5- carboxylate 7. The hydrazinolysis of 1 was prepared by carbohydrazide 2, which subsequently reacted with aldehydes to form of derivatives 3. Pyrazole derivatives 11 were prepared by the reaction of azlactone 9 with derivatives 10. Reactions were carried out under microwave irradiation or at classical heating.
CHARACTERIZATION OF SOIL ADDITIVE DERIVED FROM SEWAGE SLUDGE
Authors: Šuňovská Anna , Horník Miroslav , Pipíška Martin , Lesný Juraj , Augustín Jozef , Hostin Stanislav
Published: January 2014

The aim of the present work is to characterize the soil additive derived from sewage sludge as potentially economically acceptable material for agricultural production as well as for soil and environment protection. The soil additive consisting of sewage sludge obtained from the wastewater treatment plant Pannon-Víz Zrt. (Győr, Hungary) and agricultural byproducts represented by wastes from grain mill industry and crushed corn cobs was prepared using the low-capacity granulator equipment constructed by Energy Agency Public Nonprofit Ltd. (Hungary). The characterization of sewage sludge as primary composite and prepared soil additive includes the determination of physico-chemical parameters such as pH determined in suspension with distilled water, 0.01 mol/dm3 CaCl2 or 1 mol/dm3 KCl solutions, pHzpc predicted by potentiometric titration and ProtoFit software, water holding capacity (WHC), cationexchange capacity (CEC) and total organic carbon (TOC). The elemental analysis by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry revealed that sewage sludge as well as prepared soil additive contain significant amount of Zn and Cu as important microelements in plant nutrition. Also, it was found that prepared soil additive represents the considerable source of a significant proportion, strong bound and in this way gradually released microelements. Obtained results suggest on the application potential of prepared soil additive in agricultural production as well as in remediation and reclamation of contaminated or degraded soil.
The Public Administration Discipline in Slovenia: Between Legal and Administrative Sciences
Authors: Kovač Polonca
Published: January 2014

Th e article analyzes the historical development of public administration as a discipline in research and study programs situated between legal and administrative sciences in Slovenia as part of the Central European political and legal environment. Public administration in Slovenia was initially, and still is, primarily law-driven, but an integrative and furthermore interdisciplinary approach to public-administration studies is considered to be an inevitable trend due to its complex character. However, as indicated by the presented results of research on Slovene administrative study programs and teachers’ habilitation areas, combined with the classification of researchers’ scientific achievements, carried out in order to establish the state of the art of administrative science, research and study programs are developing rather in the framework of administrative-legal science. Hence, as grounded by historical, comparative and empirical analyses of the present study programs, habilitation and research areas in Slovenia, critical assessment of their design and classification leads us to draw several conclusions. Primarily, law is not sufficient, although, simultaneously, in the CEE area it is an indispensable basis for the study of a law-determined public administration. Both mentioned imperatives should systematically be taken into account in future (supra-) national field classifications as well as in the planning and accreditation of study programs and research in the field.
The relationship between pitch discrimination and Romanian students’ spelling performance
Authors: Dolean Dacian Dorin
Published: January 2014

Previous studies have shown that music can have a positive impact on phonological awareness and on foreign language acquisition. The present research investigates specifically the role of pitch discrimination ability in native and foreign language spelling performance. Two groups of elementary school children were selected based on their pitch discrimination abilities (high and low). Their spelling performance in their native and a foreign (fictional) language was assessed. The results indicate that pitch discrimination ability can be linked to spelling ability in both the native and a foreign language. They also suggest that studying a musical instrument might predict enhanced spelling performance ability
Do referential problem spaces affect the frequency of imperative pointing by infants?
Authors: Kishimoto Takeshi
Published: January 2014

Before speaking language, infants produce pointing gestures. To elucidate the mechanism promoting imperative pointing by infants, we investigated whether referential problem spaces, which are eco-cultural contexts in which subjects are reliant on others to obtain desirable but unreachable objects, affect the parental awareness of the frequency of imperative pointing by infants. Through a survey questionnaire, we asked parents of infants aged 8-30 months about the kinds of objects they place away from their infants and the frequency of their infants’ imperative pointing. The results show that parents who mentioned placing tiny objects or objects mainly used by adults or older children away from their infants reported higher frequencies of imperative pointing by their infants than those who did not. This suggests that the frequency of infants’ imperative pointing is increased by referential problem spaces, which are constructed by placing tiny objects or objects mainly used by adults or older children away from the infants.
Calculations of labyrinth seals with and without diagnostic extraction in fluid-flow machines
Authors: Kaszowski Paweł , Dzida Marek , Krzyślak Piotr
Published: January 2014

Labyrinth seals are essential components of steam turbine unit constructions. Two types of labyrinth seals can be named, the first of which is the seal without diagnostic steam extraction, and the second - with extraction. The distribution of flow parameters along the packing is affected remarkably by the average seal clearance. The presence of diagnostic extraction leads to the equation system which is determinable and can be inversed to calculate the average seal clearance Si. Analysing the obtained results leads to the conclusion that the information about this parameter provides opportunities to monitor the current state of the packing in real time. The applied calculation procedure bases on the de Saint - Venant equation. The article also includes a brief description of both types of seals.
Second Generation Intact Stability Criteria: on the validation of codes for direct stability assessment in the framework of an example application
Authors: Bulian Gabriele , Francescutto Alberto
Published: January 2014

The Sub-Committee on Stability and Load Lines and on Fishing Vessels Safety (SLF) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has undertaken the development of so-called “Second Generation Intact Stability Criteria” (SGISC) with the intention of providing a new set of rules covering those phenomena which are not properly covered by present, mostly semi-empirical, requirements. The first two levels of the envisioned 3+1 tiers structure of SGISC are so-called “vulnerability assessment” levels: most of the discussion has so far been dedicated to these levels. At the highest level there is the so-called “Direct Stability Assessment”, which is also strictly linked with the development of ship-specific “Operational Guidance”. Recent discussion on the topic of “Direct Stability Assessment” (DSA) has touched the issue of “validation” of numerical codes to be employed at this level. Stimulated by, and in view of, the ongoing IMO discussion, this paper presents the results of a recent series of experiments in beam waves (mono-/bichromatic, irregular) and associated simulations based on a 6-DOF blended code. Nonlinear harmonic and sub-harmonic resonances are observed and simulated.
Efficient heuristic for non-linear transportation problem on the route with multiple ports
Authors: Krile Srećko
Published: January 2014

We need a better transport planning tool for loading maximization and transport cost minimization on the voyage route with multiple loading/unloading (discharging) ports. The implemented heuristic algorithm is able to find out an appropriate routing sequence with maximal earnings and profit. In the same time it looks for minimal loading/discharging and transshipment costs, but with fulfillment of cargo demands in a number of ports on the route. The efficient algorithm for optimal transport of N cargo loads (e.g. contingent of containers) for ships with limited capacity is being developed. This efficient tool may significantly reduce transport costs and ensure maximal profit to freight forwarders. Also, it can be applied for supply chain management of different goods from numerous vendors. The proposed algorithm shows acceptable complexity that means that such optimization tool can be used in shipping supported with limited computing power.
Legal aspects of low-emission shipping in the light of provisions of “sulphur directive” adopted by the European Union
Authors: Madejska Beata
Published: January 2014

Shipping emits a variety of air pollutants: sulphur dioxide (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon dioxide (CO2) and particulate matter PM. Air pollutant emissions from maritime transport can be transported over long distances and thus increasingly contribute to air quality problems. Key environmental regulations (international and European) coming into force in this decade address emissions of SOx, NOx, CO2 and PM to control and limit their impact in the atmosphere. In the European Union, accordingly to the legal regulations, in the sulphur emission control areas the required SOx content of fuel will be reduced from 1.5 % to 0.1 % beginning January 2015. Globally, from 2020 onwards, ships operating in all other European Sea areas will have to use fuels with sulphur content of 0.5 % or less.
Polymorphisms in folate pathway and pemetrexed treatment outcome in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Goricar Katja , Kovac Viljem , Dolzan Vita
Published: January 2014

Introduction. A combination of pemetrexed and cisplatin has been shown to improve the outcome in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), however, there is a great heterogeneity in treatment response among patients. The aim of our study was to evaluate the influence of polymorphisms in folate pathway and transporter genes on pemetrexed treatment outcome in Slovenian patients with MPM.

Methods. MPM patients treated with pemetrexed in the course of a prospective randomized clinical trial were genotyped for nineteen polymorphisms in five genes of folate pathway and six transporter genes. Logistic regression was used to assess the influence of polymorphisms on treatment efficacy and toxicity, while Cox regression was used to determine their influence on progression-free and overall survival.

Results. Patients with at least one polymorphic MTHFD1 rs2236225 allele had a significantly lower response rate (p = 0.005; odds ratio [OR] = 0.12; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.03−0.54) and shorter progression-free survival (p = 0.032; hazard ratio [HR] = 3.10; 95% CI = 1.10−8.74) than non-carriers. Polymorphisms in transporter genes did not influence survival; however, several were associated with toxicity. Liver toxicity was significantly lower in carriers of polymorphic ABCC2 rs2273697 (p = 0.028; OR = 0.23; 95% CI = 0.06−0.85), SLCO1B1 rs4149056 (p = 0.028; OR = 0.23; 95% CI = 0.06−0.85) and rs11045879 (p = 0.014; OR = 0.18; 95% CI = 0.05−0.71) alleles compared to non-carriers, as well as in patients with SLCO1B1 GCAC haplotype (p = 0.048; OR = 0.17; 95% CI = 0.03−0.98). Gastrointestinal toxicity was much more common in patients with polymorphic ABCC2 rs717620 allele (p = 0.004; OR = 10.67; 95% CI = 2.15−52.85) and ABCC2 CAG haplotype (p = 0.006; OR = 5.67; 95% CI = 1.64−19.66).

Conclusions. MTHFD1 polymorphism affected treatment response and survival, while polymorphisms in ABCC2 and SLCO1B1 transporter genes influenced the risk for toxicity. These polymorphisms could serve as potential markers of pemetrexed treatment outcome in patients with MPM.
THE IMPACT OF LANDSLIDE AREAS ON MUNICIPAL SPATIAL PLANNING
Authors: Bydłosz Jarosław , Hanus Paweł
Published: January 2014

Municipal spatial planning is one of the key elements of a national spatial policy and the local land use plan is the most important tool for shaping this policy. The local land use plan, as opposed to the study, is a provision of the local law. The study, however, is mandatory for the whole area of the municipality, while the local land use plan is, in principle, voluntary and subject to certain exceptions.

One of the elements which ought to be included in the spatial policy a municipality is taking into account the threats to the safety of its inhabitants and their property, as well as identifying areas of natural geological hazards. Therefore, both the study and the local land use plan of the municipality should include, among others, areas of particular risk related to the subsidence of soil masses, i.e., landslide areas. Landslide areas are of a limited use for investment purposes, including residential, industrial or service development, as particularly vulnerable to the phenomenon of rock masses, eluvium or sediments sliding down slopes under the force of gravity.

The purpose of this article is to analyze the legal and economic consequences resulting from changes to the local land use plan, related to the qualification of an area as a landslide area. This paper examines the changes to the local land use plan for the town of Wieliczka, located place on the border of the Outer Carpathians and the Carpathian Foredeep. The transition from a mountainous terrain into a plane gives rise to numerous natural forms of relief which are prone to landslides. The study of landslides in the municipality of Wieliczka conducted in 2008, resulted in changing the qualifications of many areas to areas at risk of soil subsidence. The effects of the study have been reflected in the new local land use plan introduced in 2010.
UNCERTAINTY OF PROPERTY VALUATION AS A SUBJECT OF ACADEMIC RESEARCH
Authors: Kucharska - Stasiak Ewa
Published: January 2014

Property valuation is characterized by uncertainty, understood not only as uncertainty of a single valuation, but also as a discrepancy between multiple valuations of the same property carried out at the same time and for the same purpose. A valuation is only an estimate, the outcome of which depends on the assumptions adopted by the valuer. Such assumptions may account for the potential of a property in a complex market environment in different ways.

The objective of the paper is to present the methodology of research devoted to valuation uncertainty in highly developed markets to emphasize the need to conduct such research in Poland, and to indicate the areas in which professional organizations should undertake actions.
REAL ESTATE MARKET RATING – NEED OR NECESSITY?
Authors: Renigier-Biłozor Małgorzata , Wiśniewski Radosław
Published: January 2014

Rating systems developed in Poland and other countries are generally used to evaluate the performance of businesses, organizations, institutions and even entire economies. Comprehensive solutions for assessing real estate markets and individual properties have never been proposed (several systems for evaluating mostly commercial real estate have been developed). This deficiency could be attributed to an absence of databases describing the real estate market and market changes as well as a shortage of coherent methods for analyzing real estate markets. In most cases, however, market phenomena may be difficult to classify because they involve behavioral, social and stochastic elements.

This article analyzes the existing systems for rating and ranking markets in different Polish regions and cities. They were compared with information about the classification of real estate markets on the example of selected property markets in Poland. Selected categories were evaluated to determine whether rating methods for real estate markets, including housing markets, should be developed for different Polish cities and regions. The growth potential of local real estate markets was also analyzed.
MONITORING TECHNICAL CONDITIONS OF ENGINEERING STRUCTURES USING THE TERRESTRIAL LASER SCANNING TECHNOLOGY
Authors: Zaczek-Peplinska Janina , Pasik Mariusz , Adamek Artur , Adamek Anna , Kołakowska Maria , Łapiński Sławomir
Published: January 2014

The laser scanning technology offers quite new possibilities in the field of the existing monitoring of engineering structures. The basic advantage of the laser scanning technology is huge amount of measuring observations and practically complete geometric and spectral information about the measured structures, which may be required within the short time. In the context of detection of threatens related to deformations and displacements of building structures, the surface - quasi-continuous distribution of measuring points is one of the most important factors. which ensure the possibility to perform correct evaluation of safety conditions of investigated structures. The proposed technological solution offers a series of new possibilities and the resulting methodology of determination of deformations and displacements of various structures, will considerably increase the scope of possible works and analyses. This will also create the new segment of data, which will result in delivery of additional information concerning conditions of the structure to experts from various fields, such as, among others, civil engineering, construction or geotechnique, who monitor the given structure.
EVOLUTIONARY STRATEGY (μ+λ) AS AN INSTRUMENT FOR DETERMINING DEFORMATION PARAMETERS OF STEEL STRUCTURES
Authors: Mrówczyńska Maria
Published: January 2014

The article presents the use of an evolutionary algorithm for determining the shape of the guy rope sag of a steel smokestack. The author excludes the analysis of the operation of the rope, and discusses only the problem of determining parameters of the function of the adaption of the rope sag curve into empirical data, obtained by the geodetic method. The estimation of parameters of the curve and the characteristics of the accuracy of its adaption into experimental data were carried out by means of an evolutionary algorithm with the use of an evolutionary strategy (μ+λ). The correctness of the strategy presented in the paper, as an instrument for searching for a global minimum of a criterion function, has been presented using as an example the minimisation of a certain two dimensional function and the estimation of parameters of an ordinary and orthogonal regression function. Previous theoretical analyses have also been used for determining parameters of the guy rope sag of a steel smokestack, which is measured periodically. In addition approximate values of the pull forces in the guy ropes have been calculated.
INVESTIGATION OF PRACTICAL AND THEORETICAL ACCURACY OF WIRELESS INDOOR POSITIONING SYSTEM UBISENSE
Authors: Woźniak Marek , Odziemczyk Waldemar , Nagórski Kamil
Published: January 2014

This paper presents the accuracy investigation results and functionality of Ubisense RTLS positioning system. Three kinds of studies were conducted: test of calibration accuracy, analysis of theoretical accuracy of the coordinates determination as well as accuracy measurements in field conditions. Test of calibration accuracy was made with several different geometric constellation of reference points (tag positions). We determined changes of orientation parameters of receivers and disturbance of positioning points coordinates against chosen reference points constellations. Analysis of theoretical accuracy was made for several receivers spatial positions and their orientations. It allowed to indicate favourable and unfavourable measurement area considering accuracy and reliability. Real positioning accuracy of the Ubisense system was determined by comparison with coordinates measured using precise tacheometer TCRP1201+.

Results of conducted experiments and accuracy analysis of test measurement were presented in figures and diagrams.
MEASUREMENT OF DEFLECTION LINE ON BRIDGES
Authors: Urban Rudolf , Štroner Martin
Published: January 2014

Prestressed concrete bridges are very sensitive to the increase in long-term deflections. Reliable forecasts of deflections of bridge structures during construction and durability are crucial for achieving good durability. The main results of measurements are the changes of the deflection line of the bridge structures, which places special demands on the measurement procedure. Results from measurements are very useful for the improvement of mathematical prediction methods of behaviour of long span prestressed concrete structures.
A study on the phylogeny and phylogeography of a marine cosmopolite diatom from the southern Black Sea
Authors: Baytut Özgür
Published: January 2014

A single-cell PCR method was applied to Pseudo-nitzschia pungens strains from the southern Black Sea. Based on the aligment set of the LSU D1-D3 region, a Bayesian molecular phylogeny analysis and a parsimony network analysis were used to investigate phylogenetic clades (Clades I-III) in P. pungens and to determine the ancestral clades. The parsimony network analysis also demonstrated that ancestral haplotypes belonged to Clade II, residing around the northeastern Pacific, while Clade I was distributed globally but antitropicaly. According to the findings of this study, the Black Sea strain (Clade III) shows a global phylogeographic pattern.
Warm currents affecting the spring and winter distributions of living coccolithophores in the Yellow Sea, China
Authors: Luan Qingshan , Sun Jianqiang , Niu Mingxiang , Wang Jun
Published: January 2014

Spring and winter distributions of living coccolithophores in the Yellow Sea were studied using a polarizing microscope based on two surveys in April 2010 and January 2011. Nine species were recorded, including Emiliania huxleyi and Gephyrocapsa oceanica as the predominant forms. The cell abundance of all coccolithophores in the spring was significantly higher than in the winter (p<0.01), with means of 15 387 and 2470 cells l-1, respectively. Notably, we observed a habitat selection of coccolithophores in the southeastern Yellow Sea (32–35°N, 123–125°E). This habitat was characterized by sharp temperature gradients during both seasons caused by water exchange between the shelf waters and the Yellow Sea Warm Current. Moreover, the cell abundance, standing crop and estimated fluxes of coccolithophores were abnormally high compared to other regions. The habitat preference of coccolithophores in the Yellow Sea was directly related to the hydrodynamic conditions. The unfavorable light conditions caused by the intense convective mixing were responsible for the low biomass of coccolithophores during the winter. However, the increasing temperature influenced by the warm current, in combination with water column stability, triggered the spring bloom of coccolithophores in the southern Yellow Sea.